“ABSOLUTELY devastated” – that’s the reaction from the leader of the Royal Borough after the Prime Minister placed the South East, East, and London into Tier 4.

Boris Johnson announced on Saturday (December 19) a strict new lockdown in those areas, forcing millions of people to scrap their Christmas plans, as a new coronavirus variant caused an uptick in cases.

Under the Tier 4 restrictions, a “stay at home” message is introduced and no household mixing is allowed, even on Christmas – but one person can meet another person outside in a public space.

Non-essential shops, hairdressers, leisure, and entertainment venues must close and those who cannot work from home will still be able to travel to work.

READ MORE: What is Tier 4, which areas are in it and what are the rules?

The leader of the Royal Borough, councillor Andrew Johnson (Conservative: Hurley and Walthams), said this is a “devastating blow” to thousands of families in the borough who were looking forward to spending time with each other over the festive period.

He said: “I am absolutely devastated that the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead has moved into tier 4 – effectively a full lockdown. This is devastating news for our community and the impacts it will have on us all.

“I understand the need to protect everyone and we have seen our rates of coronavirus increasing in the borough, but this news, at this time, is a devastating blow to thousands of families who have been looking forward to Christmas and seeing their loved ones again.

“We all need to support each other during this very difficult time while we work through how we can see our loved ones but remain safe and try to stop the spread of the virus.

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Berkshire round up - Saturday, December 20

“It is also a devastating blow for our businesses who have struggled through this year and the council will do all we can to support our businesses through this very difficult period. I am already lobbying Government to ensure additional funding is made available to you.

“If we all work together, we can beat this. Follow the data, safely support local businesses, and stop the spread.”