POSTCODE data can now be used in Blackburn with Darwen to identify areas most at risk from coronavirus.

Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said that data would be used alongside a raft of methods aimed at limiting the spread of infections in the borough.

Track and trace workers will take to the streets on behalf of the council to knock on the doors of people confirmed to have tested positive.

It comes after it emerged the national system was failing to reach over 50 per cent of contacts named by infected residents across Blackburn with Darwen.

Measures had previously been taken to ease lockdown in the area, however Ms Park said that they would revert to greater restrictions if the infection rate did not fall.

She said: “We are now able to use postcode data to identify key areas of concern and we will take proportionate action to reverse localised lockdown measures if numbers do not start to come down across the borough.”

She added: “We are in danger of a local lockdown if the case numbers continue to increase.

“So, the measures we’ve taken are to try and avoid a borough-wide lockdown.

“Nobody wants this, so I urge you to follow the guideline to protect families, friends and our communities.”

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern has praised the council’s efforts, particularly the use of postcode data.

However, she said that the government has been too slow to share such data and that more funding would be needed to help Blackburn with Darwen fight the virus.

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She said: “The Government has been far too slow to share postcode level testing data, which has really hampered the council’s ability to tackle the rising number of infections.

“I wrote to the Health Minister almost three weeks ago expressing my concerns.”

She added: “Going forward, the government needs to ensure that positive test results are given to councils on a daily basis, in real time if possible.

“It also needs to fully fund councils, with Blackburn and Darwen alone facing a financial shortfall of over £19 million by the end of the financial year.”

As well as the use of postcode data, the council has reiterated that large gatherings should not take place with a limit of 30 people attending weddings and funerals and that the authority is prepared to use its new powers to ensure that rules are adhered to.

The council is also aiming to limit the number of people meeting from different households, advising people to wear face coverings in public places immediately, asking people not to share cans or hug when they meet and to keep washing their hands regularly.