SHROPSHIRE residents will have to wait to discover if they are to remain in Tier 2 after the government's Tier System review – scheduled for Wednesday – was pushed back to Thursday.

Cabinet member Michael Gove was in discussions with the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday morning about potential tightening of the relaxed plans from December 23-27, covering Christmas.

However, it is now thought – though not confirmed – that the government will announce the tier review on Thursday at around 10.30am.

But it has also stated previously that an announcement would come at the 'earliest opportunity' once the review is complete.

Shropshire is hoping to move out of Tier 2 – which is high alert – meaning that many hospitality establishments, such as 'wet pubs' i.e. those that don't serve food, will have to remain closed.

A move back to Tier 1 would allow a number of businesses to reopen in time for Christmas week.

Prior to the announcement, North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson had called on the government to treat Shropshire as its own geographical entity, and not be tied in with Telford & Wrekin.