LOCALS have been left shocked by the government's Christmas U-turn on the weekend.

Plans have now changed from a 5-day relaxation on Covid limitations to the toughest restrictions possible in areas of the south east, including Berkshire - as regions were plunged from Tier 3 to a new Tier 4.

After saying stating only last week that he wouldn't cancel Christmas, Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided in a drastic backtrack just days before the big day to implement Tier 4 level rules across London and the south east, meaning households cannot mix and residents should stay inside.

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Many are outraged that the announcement saw a complete turn around of what the government had previously said, with some locals saying they understand the need for tougher restrictions but believe they should have been implemented far sooner.

Responding to a tweet posted on the Bracknell News account, Karen said: "They [the government] might have given people a chance to make alternative plans.

"I know so many people who are now having to buy food as they were due away for the day.

"So now we are all being forced to rush to shops."

Rosie Chandler said: "If they had moved schools to online learning a week earlier it might not have been necessary."

Taking to social media, many across the south and beyond have criticised the government's handling of Christmas.

Mandoline_Blue said: "Tighter Covid measures are needed & VERY welcome, but oh my God!

"People had made their plans, booked their travel bought their gifts for family & friends.

"WHY didn't Johnson do the right thing weeks ago, instead of last minute as usual?

"So sorry for those in Tier 4."

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Similarly, @MartinWindley said: "I totally get the science behind Boris Johnson's move to put a large section of the country into Tier 4, and yes, it's unprecedented.

"But...BUT, when will this dithering idiot stop leaving it til the last minute to react?!"

Meanwhile, some have been left confused by boundaries between tiers.

One person from Oxfordshire tweeted: "I don't understand why we are not all in Tier 4.

"Oxfordshire and Berkshire are next to each other, but jump 2 tiers!"