The leader of Rutland County Council fears the easing of lockdown restrictions could pose a threat to residents if it brings an influx of visitors.

From today, changes to government guidelines allow day trips and unlimited exercise outdoors, amid other changes, leading to concerns this could have on England smallest county.

The council says this has led to concerns that increasing numbers of visitors may return to Rutland, despite the fact that local shops, cafés and attractions remain closed.

Council leader Oliver Hemsley said:"While it was reassuring to see the government sketch out its roadmap for exiting the COVID-19 lockdown, I think everyone would agree that we are not out of the woods just yet. We must continue to be extremely careful.

"I know some people are concerned that easing restrictions on travel and exercise will bring visitors back into the county from other areas at a time when many of our residents are still extremely vulnerable to the virus.

Coun Hemsley continued: "Tourism is a big part of our local economy. However, local visitor attractions, such as Rutland Water, remain closed, along with cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops in both our market towns.

"We have a large population of older residents for whom COVID-19 is a much greater risk. We could also do without a sharp increase in traffic on rural roads at a time when emergency services remain severely stretched."

He added: "All told, I think we have to be honest and say that Rutland is not ready to welcome visitors back just yet."