Politicians disappointed with the decision for area to stay in Tier 3
DERBYSHIRE politicians have reacted with continued disappointment to the news that the county will remain in the most extreme Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions.
The county and city’s politicians had been pushing for a drop into Tier 2 and had been dismayed at not making the cut after the end of a second national lockdown.
The disappointment has been repeated following the retention of the county in Tier 3 until at least December 30, but acknowledge that this is largely linked to a resurgence in infection rates.
Some of our MPs continue to push the case for Derbyshire to split into groups when considering tier restrictions, with an sub-section for North Derbyshire being one suggestion.
This would see Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire grouped together.
Derbyshire County Council’s public health director, Dean Wallace, says the countywide approach is the best way forward.
Cllr Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, reacting to the Tier 3 news, said: “We do understand that this news may be disappointing, but we will be working hard to ensure that our businesses and communities in general are as protected as possible against the impact of ongoing Tier 3 restrictions.
“There is always help available for citizens who find themselves in a difficult or vulnerable situation because of the pandemic.
“While under these restrictions, we need to make sure that we do not lose sight of how important our individual part is in reducing transmission. The harder we work now to do the right thing for Derby, the less time we will hopefully need to be in Tier 3.”
Cllr Carol Hart, Erewash Borough Council leader, said the news that the area will stay in the toughest restrictions was disappointing, but that “we must remain resilient and show the true Erewash spirit as we continue to fight this deadly virus”.
She said: “We have achieved so much, but we must not be complacent and we all need to play our part by acting responsibly.
“Christmas is going to be difficult, we know that. Whilst some restrictions have been relaxed for the festive period, it may be that we have to cancel get-togethers we love at this time of year. “But we have to act for the greater good and look to 2021 when we hope the vaccine will bring us a better year when we can all be together.
“My message throughout has always been that as difficult as it is, we can get through this together. Thank you to everyone for playing your part and staying safe.”
Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP, spoke in the House of Commons yesterday.
He said: “People across Chesterfield will be very disappointed that with all the work they have done, with Chesterfield having lower transmission rates than some of those areas in Tier 2, that they remain in Tier 3.
“If the Government weren’t at the
We have to act for the greater good and look to 2021 when we hope a vaccine will bring us a better year. Cllr Carol Hart
very last minute announcing changes to our schools just two days before schools break up, there would be more credibility to the sense that it is personal responsibility that’s the problem here, rather than the ineptitude of this government.”
Mr Perkins also called for a support package for the hospitality sector
He received a one-word response from Health Secretary Matt Hancock of “no” in response to this.
Mr Perkins said this was “an insult to every person in Chesterfield”.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that: “There will be many Derbyshire pubs and restaurants in a very dire financial position. The level of support for the sector is just inadequate.
“There will be a lot of pubs who were just about able to keep it going through the summer but really needed to have a good Christmas and they feel very let down.
“Hospitality is not the focus of transmission and yet it is the focus of the Government’s restrictions.
“I also feel there is a sense of the unfairness of it. Areas in the south were in Tier 2 and now they have had spikes and have been put into Tier 3.
“Areas like Chesterfield, where we have seen the infection rates come down substantially, have been left in Tier 3.
“It has been a very uneven and unfair approach.”
High Peak MP Robert Largan said he was very disappointed that High Peak and the rest of Derbyshire will remain under Tier 3 restrictions.
He said: “Across the country, only Bristol and North Somerset have been taken out of Tier 3 and large parts of the south have now been
put into Tier 3, including London. This follows steps being taken by other countries.
“The Government will shortly be publishing the data behind the decision and I will be scrutinising it closely.
“The latest figures show that there has been an increase in cases over the last few days in High Peak. In particular, Buxton has seen a big increase in cases.
“However, High Peak is still below the national average and I have consistently made the case that High Peak should leave Tier 3 restrictions as soon as possible.
“That’s why I voted against putting High Peak into Tier 3 restrictions earlier this month.
“I will continue to make this case and call for more support for High Peak pubs, restaurants, hotels and other small businesses.
“In the meantime, I strongly encourage everyone to follow the rules and keep each other safe.
“The vaccine is being rolled out now and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this crisis, together.”
Dr Robyn Dewis, director of public health for Derby City Council, said there have been strides made in Derby in recent weeks in reducing levels of Covid infection, but the reality is that it is still significant within the city.
Dr Dewis said: “Our ongoing fight against Covid, which now thankfully includes a vaccination programme and, soon, our local rapid testing roll-out, can only continue to succeed through the actions of our community as a whole.
“This is even more important in the run-up to Christmas, as some of us may be forming a ‘ Christmas bubble’.
“The risks involved with this need to be fully considered beforehand, and if we do decide to mix households we should take as many precautions as possible, such as ventilation and regular handwashing.”
Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North, said: “I know that Derby and Derbyshire remaining in Tier 3 will cause much concern for many individuals, families and local businesses.
“I’m especially devastated for the hospitality industry who have been hit incredibly hard at what is usually their busiest time of year. However, we must remember that the measures have been put in place to keep us safe and protect our local health and social care services during the winter months and we all remain grateful to the tremendous work of health and social care staff across our region and the nation as a whole.
“With Christmas fast approaching, it is vital that we do not let our guard down and continue to follow the measures and enjoy the festive period responsibly. Derby City Council is launching two new support schemes for businesses on Thursday to help through these difficult times and that support will be warmly welcomed by many that have to remain closed due to the restrictions.
“We are taking the right steps as a region to reduce the spread of coronavirus, through the introduction of rapid lateral flow testing and the launching of vaccination centres at Royal Derby Hospital and Derby Arena. I am very pleased that Derby will be one of the first places in the country to have these schemes in place and can make significant progress in our fight against coronavirus.”