THE council leader has urged people to continue to abide by the restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Stephen McCabe has acknowledged the disappointment that local people and businesses feel after the district was placed into Tier 3 of the new rules regime despite having comparatively healthy infection indicators.

Councillor McCabe said: “This will be disappointing to many residents and businesses but I hope Inverclyde continues to lead the way in the central belt in keeping the infection rate lower, because that is the way to get into the lower tiers.

"To residents and businesses right across Inverclyde it is important that we thank them for the work they have all been doing to keep themselves and each other safe from Covid-19.

"That work must not be undone by any short term disappointment at the current position.

"I urge you to continue to follow the guidance, make sure that you protect yourself and others and you will continue to save lives from this awful virus.”