CITY BRACED FOR TIER THREE LOCKDOWN
OTHER AREAS OF COUNTY COULD BE INCLUDED
DETAILS of the Tier 3 deal for Nottingham, Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe were delayed as Government ministers were believed to be looking to extend it to other boroughs in Nottinghamshire.
It was initially understood the Department for Health and Social Care would be making an announcement with the precise details of what Tier 3 restrictions would mean for those areas last night.
However, lack of confirmation from the Government meant it was delayed.
Council leaders say they have been left “furious and betrayed” by the lack of clarity.
Now, according to MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, this delay is because Ministers “want to extend Tier 3 to other boroughs”.
The leader of the Ashfield District Council, Jason Zadrozny, also confirmed that a further meeting was due to take place at 9am today.
This meeting was likely to discuss the current situation in other areas of the county, particularly as the infection rate continues to increase in areas such as Ashfield and Mansfield.
Speaking to the Post last night, Ms Greenwood said: “This has been an incredibly frustrating day for everyone in Nottingham.
“Yesterday we were told that we’re going into Tier 3 on Thursday, 24 hours later and the public still don’t know what that means, businesses are unable to plan, people don’t know whether they’ll be going into work on Thursday.
“The Government still haven’t provided the information that explains why extra restrictions are needed or what those restrictions will be. Public trust is being undermined by their woeful communications.
“It seems the announcement has been delayed because Ministers now want to extend Tier 3 to other boroughs in Notts - as I and others have been saying for days.
“Once again this Government are dithering and delaying - and our constituents, our hospitals and local businesses in our city are paying the price.”
Councillor Zadrozny added: “I’ve had a phone call with Chris Pincher who asked for all the leaders [of each council] to have a meeting at 9am Wednesday to brief us with some health stats.
“I suspect something is coming. My understanding is they may want to change it and add us all in.
“They have already negotiated the financial packages for the county council, all that is left to do is draw the map.”
It currently remains understood that Tier 3 restrictions will still be imposed on Thursday at 00.01, however just how these restrictions will impact businesses and residents at local level remain unclear.
A joint statement from local leaders in Nottingham, Gedling, Broxtowe, Rushcliffe and the wider county, said: “We appreciate that our communities and businesses are awaiting clarity and certainty about how the Tier 3 measures will impact on them. We await confirmation from the government about their progress in drafting the necessary legislation for Nottingham, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.
“At the earliest opportunity, we will publish details of the measures and package of support.”