Restrictions in Trafford will remain, meaning residents cannot meet people outside their bubbles either indoors in homes or in gardens, the Department of Health & Social Care said.

The latest data for Trafford shows a weekly incidence of 36.8 per 100,000 on Sunday, compared to 17.8 per 100,000 between August 17 and August 23.

However the lifting of restrictions in Burnley, Hyndburn, Stockport and parts of Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford went ahead from noon on Wednesday.

Matt Hancock said: “This decision has been made in collaboration with local leaders after reviewing the latest data. We continually monitor outbreaks across the country, and have seen infection rates increase more than three times in Bolton in under a week, and double in Trafford since the last review.

“We have always been clear we will take swift and decisive action where needed to contain outbreaks. We can bring the rates down if we continue to work together and I urge everyone to continue to play their part by following the rules – get tested if you have symptoms, self-isolate and practice social distancing."

Justin Madders, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to lockdown restrictions remaining in place in Bolton and Trafford after another Government U-turn, said:

“Once again the Government is in complete chaos. 

“Decisions on localised restrictions should be made on public health grounds, not to appease Tory backbenches.

“The Government's incompetence is damaging public confidence and holding Britain back. The Prime Minister needs to get a grip.”