An announcement appears to be imminent after ‘constructive’ talks between the Sheffield City Region’s mayor and the government – which would force pubs and bars to shut down and impose travel and meeting bans

The region including Sheffield would become England’s fourth to have its pubs and bars shut down after Liverpool City Region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

People would also be banned from meeting other households indoors or in gardens, and would be strongly advised against travelling in or out of the area.

Pubs and bars would still be able to operate until 10pm if they could run as a restaurant, serving “substantial” meals.

Tory Robert Jenrick said there were “very productive discussions” with Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Sheffield City Region, which he hoped would conclude this morning.

The Communities Secretary told Sky News: “I hope we’re on the cusp of an agreement for South Yorkshire.