Pointless? Frustrating? Tiresome? Whatever, we’ve got to get on with it

RESIDENTS have reacted to the news that local lockdown restrictions will be introduced in Oadby and Wigston after the government intervened due to a massive increase in the borough’s infection rate.

Joe Mee, 36, from Oadby, said: “Obviously it’s a blow, but it seems to me to a pointless exercise as I am going to work in a small office with up to six people.

“I’m not sure not having my auntie in the garden will make that much difference.

“It’s what I’ve come to expect from this government.

“They like to be seen to be taking action but it mostly ends up in a load of pointless inconveniences.”

Anne Bond, a former borough councillor in the area, said: “Social distancing hasn’t been observed, even at the doctors.

“There are queues outside leisure centres and shops and people aren’t keeping two metres apart.”

A South Wigston resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Mercury: “Life seems to have stood completely still since March.

“To hear Oadby and Wigston is going back into a form of lockdown is a massive kick in the teeth for all of us in the borough.

“I think a lot of people are itching to be able to go out and do the things they used to do without having to constantly worry about getting ill or passing it on to someone else unknowingly.

“So of course it’s frustrating and tiresome, but we’ve just got to get on with it.”

The measures were announced yesterday afternoon, but rumours had been rife since it was revealed earlier this week that only Bolton had a higher infection rate than the borough.

The area’s MP promised to keep residents updated.

“I know this news will come as a disappointment to many, but officials had concerns across the borough as rates in Wigston also exceed the national average, as well as Oadby where there are more cases,” Neil O’Brien said.

“Support bubbles can remain in place, and I’m pleased that businesses will not be forced to close their doors again as I know how difficult this was last time.

“People can still travel to/from work and other places in the same way as before. This measure only covers socialising with people outside of your household/support bubble in private homes and gardens.

“I’ll be pressing for and sharing latest data and updates, as I want to ensure constituents are kept in the loop as much as possible.”