Government slammed after amending website to urge people not to travel to or from Bedford as Indian variant cases rise - without actually telling anyone

The Government has come under fire for amending its website urging people not to travel in and out of Bedford unless absolutely necessary - without making a widespread announcement.

The guidance which is for the areas most affected by the Indian variant - Bedford, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, North Tyneside and Hounslow - was issued on Friday night but Bedford Borough Council weren't even informed,

As well as telling residents they should keep two metres apart, work from home and meet outdoors - critically, the Government advises residents to avoid travelling in and out of Bedford unless it's essentialThe guidance says travelling for work or education – if you cannot work or study from home – is considered essential.

And a Downing Street source denied it was a local lockdown by stealth and added that it was advice, not law.

In a statement on the borough council's website, it said: "We were not made aware of the introduction of this advice and are urgently looking at the implications on this on the services we provide.

"With cases rising in Bedford borough we’re asking everyone to take extra care, and continue to follow Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air Advice. If you’re meeting with friends or family meet outside wherever possible where the virus particles can be blown away.

"We’re asking everyone in Kingsbrook, Cauldwell, Queens Park and Wixams to carry out a PCR test to identify any cases so that they can self-isolate."

Yesterday, Bedford Today revealed there were recorded 50 new cases in the town just 24 hours