Wandsworth Council's Leader has released a statement warning Tooting and the borough's residents of tighter restrictions over Christmas if Tier 2 rules are not followed.

This comes following government data showing a drastic rise in cases in Wandsworth and the whole of the capital.

Ravi Govindia, Council Leader, has called on residents to remain vigilant and follow the rules to help halt the spread of the virus.

Govindia said: "As we head towards Christmas and the joyful family reunions and celebrations we are all looking forward to, I am appealing to you all to please continue to observe the rules that are in place to stop the spread of the virus and keep us safe.

"At the moment we are in Tier 2 – which represents an area in High Alert.

"However the rates of infection are rising in Wandsworth and also in many other parts of the capital and if we do not follow Tier 2 rules there is a grave risk of the borough being subject to the much stricter Tier 3 regulations over Christmas and the New Year.

"There is of course some light at the end of the tunnel with new vaccines becoming available.

"But until these are rolled out to cover the entire population we must remain vigilant and not allow the virus to take greater hold.

"The rules are there to protect us and we must continue to stick with them."

Find all the latest news from Tooting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.