WALTON and Frinton had more deaths linked to the coronavirus than anywhere else in Tendring, new figures show.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics, which break down the number of deaths involving Covid-19 to areas within local authorities, show 25 people died in the Walton and Frinton Coastal area with the virus between March and June.

In these cases, coronavirus was the underlying cause or was mentioned on the death certificate as a contributory factor.

At the other end of the scale, four areas had four recorded deaths – the lowest of Tendring's 18 areas.

In Tendring, 169 people have died since the start of the pandemic with 19 deaths linked to coronavirus in June.

Last week, Dr Mike Gogarty, director of public health for Essex, issued a warning after coronavirus cases tripled in Clacton and Harwich.

He said there were the first signs of an increase in cases in the towns and wanted to reassure residents he was taking necessary action to understand the reasons and put measures in place to ensure residents remain safe.

Clacton MP Giles Watling said: "The latest data shows a small increase in Covid-19 cases in Tendring, and detailed analysis from the Essex and Southend Contact Tracing Service shows that this is mainly affecting young adults.

"In response to the recent increase, our public health professionals are, of course, taking all necessary steps to keep us safe.

"But it is also inherent on us all to continue to act responsibly, as we have been doing in recent months.

"Overall, cases in our area have been low throughout the outbreak, and we must keep it that way.

"Please remember to isolate if required, and always practice social distancing and mask wearing in enclosed spaces - this is for your benefit and those around you."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said the disparity in mortality rates highlighted in the report is greater than the inequality seen in previous years.

He added: “We are committing to better understanding and reducing the disparity in health outcomes – in the context of coronavirus and more broadly. This is central to the work being taken forward by the Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch.

“We are continuing to learn as much as we can, as quickly as we can, about this virus - who it affects and how best to protect those who may be more vulnerable than others, while keeping everyone safe.”