‘We have followed the council protocols – they have not’
Pub hits out at slow response and public announcement in wake of covid outbreak
A MOORLANDS village pub has criticised council bosses after claiming they took eight days to act over Leek’s covid outbreak.
The Black Lion in Cheddleton notified the authorities after one of staff tested positive for Covid-19 on May 23.
A number of other employees are also self-isolated in line with the rules.
As a result, council health officials asked anyone who visited the Hollow Lane venue on May 22 and May 23 to undergo PCR tests.
But the pub has slammed Staffordshire County Council for its handling of the outbreak, which is due to the faster spreading Indian variant.
The council says that since initial contact, cases have risen, so it is “important that we do everything we can to contain this outbreak”.
It comes as 1,000 pupils and teachers were put in self-isolation after at least 40 positive cases linked to Westwood College, St Edward’s Middle School and Leek High School.
Surge testing also got under way in the town.
The Black Lion said last week: “Following on from the covid press release from Staffordshire County Council and a number of calls from customers, we would just like to clarify our current situation.
“We had one young member of staff who returned a positive test on Sunday, May 23.
“We have a number of other members of staff who are isolating as they have been instructed.
“We notified the authorities on May 24 and followed their advice.
“We are baffled and upset that eight days later Staffordshire County Council think there is a need to announce this to the wider world, when we have followed their protocols and they clearly have not.
“We thought the authorities wanted to work along with businesses through this difficult time, this does not seem to have been the approach exercised by Dr Richard Harling of Staffordshire County Council .
“If they are really concerned about this situation why did it take them eight days to ask for the contact details of our customers who had not logged in via the test and trace app?
“We are proud of the young members of staff we have. There should be no stigma attached to employing young people.
“We are happy with how we have handled this situation and would like to assure people we provide a perfectly safe environment to enjoy pleasant hospitality.
“We are well and truly open for business.”
A number of villagers have voiced their support for the pub.
One said: “I’m sure I speak for the whole local community saying we are right behind you and your amazing team and thankful we have an amazing watering hole. “Even if the authorities aren’t.” A second added: “I’m so sorry you are being put through this after everything you’ve already been through, including the countless hoops to comply.”
The council have explained it was taking all the necessary steps to contain the outbreak - and insisted it was ‘no reflection on the pub.’
Dr Richard Harling, director for health and care, since: “It is important that we do everything we can to contain this outbreak and reduce the risk to everyone who lives and work in Leek.
“We are aware a person visited the pub while they may have been infectious, so we need to make sure people who visited there only on the specific dates get tested.
“This no reflection on the pub and people can and should continue to visit and support this local business.”