A successful Hitchin author of a powerful dystopian novel has reacted to our town being placed in Tier 3.

Hitchin writer Matt Adcock has likened the move to one of his 'dystopian nightmare scenarios' in his fiction.

On Thursday lunchtime, in a speech to the House of Commons, Heath Secretary Matt Hancock opted to place the whole of Hertfordshire into the toughest measures to combat the spread of Covid.

In Tier 3, pubs and restaurants can open until 6pm but can't serve alcohol, while indoor leisure and entertainment venues, such as cinemas, will also close and non-essential travel in or out of the area will not be allowed.

Gyms will remain open but usage is restricted to individuals, and groups of people won't be allowed to attend.

Speaking to Nub News, Matt explained: "I am gutted that Hitchin has been put into Tier 3 so close to Christmas.

"We can't be alone in having made plans what will now all have to change.

"I do understand that we have to get the pandemic under control, but it sometimes feels like we're living through one of the dystopian nightmare scenarios I make up in my fiction!"

Read Matt's latest novel Complete Darkness