'We're devastated' says a hard-working Hitchin business owner after the government decision to place the whole of Hertfordshire into Tier 3 from Saturday - in a move that has forced him to shut his shop until February 2021.

Following a review of the tiers across all English regions, health secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this morning that the whole of the county including Hitchin will move to Tier 3.

The move, only days before Christmas, comes after a rise in numbers of Covid cases in our area.

However, the decision has not only left Hitchin MP Bim Afolami 'baffled' but has led to drastic decisions being made by many businesses in our town - including Fabio's Gelato.

Hitchin business owner Fabio Vincenti reacted to the news after learning the ice cream parlour he runs will have to close.

Despite faithfully adhering to all government guidelines since the first lockdown in March, family man Fabio has been left frustrated at the move - and has taken the decision to completely shut his gelato shop on Hermitage Road until February.

Fabio, who is known as the Willy Wonka of Ice Cream after creating weird and wonderful unusual flavours, said: "We are devastated by the recent announcement [regarding the move to] Tier 3 and its not been an easy decision for us to make.

"We feel we have been left in limbo by the government with grants not even covering rent. Let alone other business overheads (our electricity is over £1400/ month.)

"Unfortunately our operational overheads are higher than our trade as takeaway only during the winter months and we have a team to protect as well as daughter to provide for.

"We need to ensure we can survive to re open in the spring time.

"We will therefore be closing both our shops from 25th December. We will then remain shut until February. There will be no collections or deliveries in January."

Fabio and his staff issued a plea to loyal customers as they said: "Here's where we need you. While we remain open until Christmas eve please come in, say hi, grab a takeaway, voucher, coffee, cake, like/ share our posts.

"All collections of gelato cakes after 24th Dec will still go ahead. We will email you to arrange a contactless collection time. Stay safe

"Hannah, Fabio and The Fabio's team x."