Any more of this and we’ll be four it
Concern that packed streets may lead to tier move:
PEOPLE have been criticised for gathering in huge numbers in Tynemouth as the region tries to fight against the spread of coronavirus.
Large crowds were spotted on Front Street in Tynemouth on Sunday evening, with people reportedly not social distancing.
Coun Lewis Bartoli, who represents the Tynemouth ward on North Tyneside Council, estimated there were between 200 and 300 people in the area at around 5.30pm to 6pm on Sunday.
The Conservative councillor said he had received reports of similar gatherings over the past week or 10 days, and Front Street had become “an informal meeting place”.
He said people from outside Tynemouth were being dropped off in taxis and there had been complaints about members of the public littering as well as urinating in the streets or doorways. In addition, bins were overflowing, he added.
He warned this behaviour could lead to a spike in Covid cases and could result in the area being pushed into Tier 4, with all hospitality businesses being asked to shut.
Coun Bartoli said: “Over the past week to 10 days, I have been getting reports from residents and businesses in the area of crowds gathering in Tynemouth. Front Street has become a kind of informal meeting place for people going for a drink.
“I would estimate there were 200 to 300 people there on Sunday. Only a few bars were actually open and serving takeaways, most were closed. There was no social distancing.”
He said the council, police and businesses themselves needed to take more action to get large crowds to move.
“The council needs to clamp down on this and talk to businesses, and the businesses need to encourage customers not to gather outside. And the police need to get out more and have more of a presence.
“All those people who were stood out there are risking a spike in cases. If we go into Tier 4, all these businesses will be shut.
“We are so close, we are so near the end. If we can just stay out of Tier 4 for the next month or two, and allow the vaccines to take effect, we would all get over this. It would be such a shame to spoil it all and go back to square one.”
According to latest figures, there are nine places in the North East where coronavirus infection rates are above 400.
While millions of people were plunged into Tier 4 restrictions on Boxing Day, the North East remained in Tier 3.