“IF WE don’t take steps now then we’ll be sorry later on” – that’s the warning from Slough’s MP as he calls for government to place the borough in tier two.

Last week, a spokesperson from Slough Borough Council told the Observer going into tier two – or ‘high’ alert level – is ‘on the cards’ as they confirmed they were in talks with the government.

In an interview with Andrew Peach on BBC Radio Berkshire, Slough’s MP Tan Dhesi said he, the council leader, the chief executive, and the department for public health director jointly agreed recommending to government that they want to voluntarily go into tier two.

This is due to an increase of cases being reported in the borough via community transmission.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: More than 600 people have died locally after testing positive for Covid-19

As of October 19, Slough has a total of 1,439 cases – an increase of 39 confirmed cases.

Mr Dhesi said: “I think if we don’t do that [go into tier two], the level of community transmission will continue.

“We’ve got to make sure that the Slough community realises where we are and if we don’t take these tougher measures then things could get a lot worse.”

He added: “If we don’t take steps now then we’ll be sorry later on.”

The department for health and social care and Matt Hancock ultimately decides if Slough gets to be placed in tier two – which the council is currently waiting for.

It was heard a decision will come out from a meeting held by the government later this week.

READ MORE: Tier two: Slough in talks with government about further coronavirus restrictions

The Labour Parliamentarian said: “If it was up to us locally then all four of us, the key decision-makers, have all agreed that we need to move into tier two.”

If the government decided to place Slough in ‘high’ alert level, residents will be banned from mixing with anyone outside their home or support bubble indoors.

National restrictions such as the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars, and restaurants will still apply.

Slough’s MP has called for the government to provide financial support to businesses who will struggle with these further restrictions.

He said: “You cannot have lockdown on the cheap you need to provide the support for our communities, for our businesses because we are already in a very, very difficult situation.”