PUBS are facing a logistical nightmare after parts of Essex were split into different coronavirus tiers.

Colchester and Tendring remain under Tier 2 restrictions from tomorrow while the majority of Essex - including neighbouring Braintree and Maldon districts - has been put into Tier 3 due to a sharp rise in infection rates.

Tier 3 rules mean pubs and restaurants must close - except for takeaways - while residents are urged not to travel outside of the area.

But for those businesses based on the border with Tier 2 and 3 areas, the coming weeks are likely to prove difficult.

The Old Crown, in Messing, falls under Tier 2 rules and can remain open.

However, manager Rebecca Healy fears the pub will still feel the impact of tougher restrictions being enforced just a few miles down the road.

She said: “Obviously it’s really good news we can stay open but it’s strange at the same time because our neighbouring villages of Kelvedon and Feering are all in Tier 3 and their pubs have to close.

“We also have a lot of customers coming from that area so in theory we could be losing a large number of regulars.”

Bosses at the Old Crown are also concerned about how they manage bookings now that Essex has been divided.

Ms Healey added: “We can’t accept people from Tier 3 areas but how are we going to know where they are from?

“We won’t be able to tell from mobile phone numbers and the area codes around here are quite similar so there’s no way of knowing.”

Louise Pennick, who works at The Ship Inn in Tiptree, says the pub has had a number of cancellations since parts of Essex were placed under Tier 3 rules.

The venue can also remain open as it falls in the Colchester borough which is in Tier 2.

Mrs Pennick said: “We’ve had people from Southend and Canvey Island ringing up to cancel because they aren’t allowed to come here anymore.

“I feel sorry for the places that have had to close, especially as they’re only a few miles down the road.

“The worry for us now is with all these places closing, will people from Tier 3 areas try to come here?”

The Five Bells, in Colne Engaine, and sister pub The Lion, in Earls Colne, both have Colchester postcodes.

But they can only offer takeaways as they fall just within the Braintree district boundary and Tier 3 rules.

Spokesman Juliet Townsend said: “It is hugely frustrating that we’re just a mile or so away from being allowed to stay open.

“But it’s just another part of what has been a difficult year for the hospitality industry and we’ll have to find a way to get through it.”

Colchester MP Will Quince urged everyone to follow the rules.

He said: “Our numbers are thankfully relatively low but if we want to remain in Tier 2, we must re-double our efforts and be vigilant.

“You all helped us by reducing contact with others, practising hands, face, space and being vigilant. I know we will continue to do all we can to help keep our numbers low and work together to beat this awful virus.”