Taxi driver horrified by crowding at school gates
DAD SAYS STICTER RULES SHOULD BE APPLIED
A BURTON taxi boss who says he often left horrified when he drops his son at school as people ignore social distancing rules wants stricter lockdown rules to continue.
He says he when he drops his son off at school he sees “hundreds” of parents and children standing too close, not sticking to the two-metre rule in the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Abid Hussain, owner of Premier Kebabs and Premier Taxis in Station Street, wants to more enforcement and stricter rules, including fines to make people obey the rules. He also feels that schools should be closed to help in the fight against the virus.
Burton will go into Tier 3 when the second national month-long lockdown ends on Wednesday, December 2. Tier 3 is the highest of the Government’s three tiers and means measures including that pubs and restaurants will remain closed, except for takeaway orders. Non-essential shops can reopen though when lockdown ends.
Mr Hussain, 39, said: “I go to drop my lad off to school and there are hundreds of parents and school children in close contact.
“Schools and colleges should also be closed as this will help keep people at home and keeping others safe.
“I feel Tier 3 is not a harsh punishment as plenty of place will still be open.
“With the way the stats are, I feel a lockdown is still necessary to help contain the virus and make it safe for all of us again.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons on Thursday that the three-tiered regional measures will return from Wednesday.
We spoke to other members of the Asian community living in Burton about going into Tier 3 – here is what they had to say:
Sajid Rashid, who works as an aero-engineer for Rolls-royce in Derby and lives in Burton, said: “If the tiers helps to save lives then this is not the worst thing to happen.
“Cases are rising in Staffordshire so I feel the move to put Staffordshire into Tier 3 makes sense.
“It could prove to be a good decision for the town and I hope it makes people realise the severity of the situation.
“On a plus side is gyms are being allowed to open, which is a big positive, especially from a mental health and wellbeing point of view.”
Burton mum Rubena Kashwar says she is not happy with the Tier 3 restrictions as they are too soft and feels a lockdown is only way people will understand the dangers of the virus.
The mother-of-one said: “People living in Burton need to understand it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensue the number of positive cases are reduced.
“Personally I believe schools are very dangerous as so many children come into close contact with one another and could potentially spread the virus in their homes.
“You see a lot of people going out and shopping. They are not buying essential items but more focused on buying Christmas presents for one another.
“A lockdown and giving fines to people not adhering to government guidelines would be good way to make people realise how selfish they are and if they have to pay fines they will think twice about going out.
Staffordshire county counciller Syed Hussain, who represents the Anglesey Ward in the town, says he is concerned for the hospitality sector, especially the restaurants and pubs operating in the town.
Councillor Hussain said: “I sympathise with the small businesses especially the pubs and restaurants who use their businesses to provide and feed their families.
“These businesses have been neglected by the Government and I urge everyone to look into this mater.
“The loss of trade for these businesses could lead to job losses in the area and I want those people to know we are all in this together.”
What do you think? Email adnan. rashid@reachplc.com