‘I am a bit nervous if we are not locked down’
MAPPERLEY AND MAPPERLEY TOP RESIDENTS SHARE THEIR CONCERNS OVER TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS FOR THE AREA
CONCERNS have been raised over the potential for a Nottingham local lockdown resulting in more people travelling to places like Mapperley to go to the pub.
Tighter restrictions on mixing with other households are expected to be imposed on Nottingham residents by the end of this week as the number of positive cases continues to rise.
The city’s infection rate now stands at 440.1 per 100,000 people, a dramatic increase from just 71.2 seven days earlier.
So far, 1,465 people tested positive in the week leading up to October 3.
We spoke to some residents living in Mapperley and Mapperley Top, where Nottingham city meets Gedling borough, who believe the whole of Greater Nottingham should be on lockdown rather than particular areas to prevent the spread.
Full-time mum Shannon Prince, 25, who lives in the Mapperley area, said she didn’t want some areas to be on lockdown and other parts Greater Nottingham to be exempt.
She said: “I am a bit nervous if we are not locked down. I do not think it is being taken seriously.
“If the city centre is locked down we would hope Mapperley would be too.
“Otherwise people will just come to the areas that are not locked down.”
Full-time mum Summer Highton, 25, who also lives in the area, said: “I don’t mind going into lockdown. I think we need it. I am pregnant and I am at risk.
“If the city is locked down I think the whole of [greater] Nottingham should be.
“The numbers will not change if they lock down just one area. But it is getting to a point now where there is nothing they can do.
“It is like the flu. If you are going to get it then you will get it.”
Midwife Rachel Francois, 52, and her friend Jane Jones, who live close by and go running in Mapperley, said they wouldn’t be happy with a lockdown.
Mrs Francois said: “I think it is really hard for old people being stuck in their houses. I would not be happy with a lockdown but I don’t think there will be another way.
“But I don’t know what it will achieve but they have to do something to try and reduce the figures.”
Mrs Jones added: “I think we are going to have to go into lockdown. I can’t imagine people in Gedling will be able to go out and do what they have to and people in the city can’t.
“They can socialise and we can’t.’
I would not be happy (with a lockdown) but I am a law-abiding citizen.
“I think it is really hard for the children.”
Husband and wife Sue and John Maddock, aged 65 and 66, from Mapperley, have just retired in July and were due to go on a once-in-alifetime world trip.
These plans have now been put on hold.
They believe the whole of Greater Nottingham should be in lockdown rather than particular areas.
Mr Maddock said: “One rule for one should be one rule for everyone. If you are going to do it, do it properly.
“I think a lockdown is better than nothing. People have got to be responsible for their own actions. I think this is going to be very long term.”
Retired Lynda Walker, 75, visits Mapperley from Gedling to have her hair done.
She strongly believes that parts of the city where cases are high should be locked down.
She said: “If the city centre goes into lockdown, Mapperley should not. A lot of young people are not taking any notice, all going out in large groups.
“I think just the city centre because that’s where all the young people are. All I do is go shopping and to the hairdressers and that is it.
“I don’t think a lockdown will help. It has not worked before. You can’t stop people - they do what they want.”
There are a large number of shops down Mapperley high street.
Marina Stevenson, assistant manager for the Nottinghamshire Hospice shop said trade had been good since they reopened in June.
She said: “If the city centre has high numbers then they should be in lockdown and not us. I think it might lower the cases.”
One man, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “There are 338 cases in the Lenton area.
“You can work things out yourself. There is around seven in this area. I don’t blame students but the devil is in the detail.”