Residents are angry at Government and fed up with rule-breakers

Readers’ big lockdown survey reveals major frustrations

LOCKDOWN restrictions in Leicester and the surrounding areas have left residents feeling “angry”, “frustrated” and worried, according to a survey.

Our website LeicestershireLive released the Big Lockdown Survey last month and asked readers their views on the lockdown, schools and work and received more than 1,200 responses.

While some people said the lockdown had not been too bad, the majority of respondents had an overwhelmingly negative response.

When asked what they thought about lockdown, many people were quite critical of the Government’s handling of the situation.

One said: “There has been confusion, poor decision making, the government is in denial about continuing difficulties and problems experienced by normal people and patronising in their denials.

“I have no confidence in them. I have observed many, many people locally totally ignoring the lockdown rules,” they added.

The lack of confidence in those in positions of power was a common theme among responses.

One comment said: “Personally, it has not been well managed in Leicester and also nationally.

“There is not any enforcement for when the rules are not followed and there is not a clear-cut message being sent out to the public, which in turn means that each individual will interpret the rules differently hence reek havoc on the city.”

On a more personal level, everyone in the country has a story to tell about their lockdown experience - and it has been harder for some than others.

One respondent said: “I gave birth during lockdown.

“I’ve not been able to access support from friends and family, and had limited support from the expected health professionals.

“As a first-time mum it’s made a hard, life-changing experience even harder and more isolating.

“I worry about the impact on my own mental health and the impact on the physical and mental development of my son.”

For many people, one of the hardest elements of the continuing lockdown and rule changes is not being able to see family and friends.

One person said: “Adapting to changing rules is hard, but life now is the new normal.

“I work and sometimes go out. “The only thing missing is my family for hugs and not being able to go near my parents is horrid. I worry a lot about them catching it.”

Many respondents who carefully stick to the guidance, said that one of the most frustrating things about the lockdown was those flouting the rules.

One person said: “We are fed up but because people are not sticking to the rules and mixing with other households in their home and meeting at restaurants and pubs.

“It means we have to stay in longer as my husband is shielding and we won’t risk his life.”

As a first-time mum it’s made a hard, lifechanging experience even harder and more isolating

Respondent