A sense of calm as residents get used to latest lockdown
“I WISHED it wouldn’t come, I hoped it wouldn’t come, but we’ve just got to put up with it.”
Leonard Baylis was discussing the new lockdown measures imposed in Neath.
His sentiments have been echoed by many across the town.
Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan were the latest local council areas placed under more significant lockdown restrictions from 6pm last night in an effort to stop the growing number of coronavirus cases.
In Neath town centre yesterday, many went about their daily business just hours before the measures were imposed, and there was a sense of calm.
But the feeling among them concerning the forthcoming restrictions was mixed. Many supported the move, including Leonard Baylis.
He said: “It’s for the best, I just hope the rules don’t get more serious.”
Sylvia Dyer said she had faith in the advice that was being issued by the Gov
ernment, and expressed her compassion for traders.
“I just feel sorry for the business people, I do,” she said. “I think if everybody listened to what the Prime Minister says, I think we’ll be fine, I think we’ll get over it.
“We’ve got to feel safe, and I feel safe when I’m
out and in the shops because everybody is listening.”
Mrs Dyer will be having to celebrate her grandson Isaac’s 10th birthday differently because of the restrictions.
She said: “Obviously now when I see him I’ll have to stay out in the garden with an umbrella.
That’s basically what I’ll do. That’s the only thing you can do. Stay safe.”
Alan Barkus also backed the move.
“It’s definitely the right measure to take,” he said.
“It’s a serious situation. It’s a pity it has flared up again because we were doing so well and I’m peeved really that we’ve
come to this situation again. For how long, God knows?
“I just hope we’ll all do the right thing and we’ll come back down, down to normal, hopefully.”
Neath Market traders also weighed in with their thoughts.
Brian Warlow, owner of Neath Market Health Stall, spoke of how he felt the mood was in the town.
“It seems quite positive, to be absolutely honest,” he said.
“We’ve got to take the advice of the experts, they must know what they’re talking about, surely.
“I have been busier today than I have been any day since last March. I don’t know if people are worrying about stocking up or anything. Specifically things like D3 are popular which everyone is taking for Covid now anyway and it’s just been hammering off the shelves.”
Paul Cole, of Paul Cole Quality Butchers, felt little could be achieved by the latest measures, however.
“Personally I feel it’s a waste of time,” he said.
“I think it’s just going over the top. If everybody abided by the rules and stuck to the rules we would be fine.”