Council leader calls to spare Ribble Valley from extra coronavirus restrictions

From today onwards (Tuesday), Prime Minister Boris Johnson has increased lockdown restrictions for residents and businesses in Lancashire, except Blackpool, as coronavirus cases begin to surge.

Mixing of households in homes and gardens has been banned and from Thursday, hospitality venues are to close by 10pm with pubs and restaurants restricted to table service only.

The new restrictions also mean people should only use public transport for essential purposes such as travelling to school or work, and should not attend amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

Responding to the tighter measures, Ribble Valley Borough Council leader, Stephen Atkinson, said: “We support the Government in their efforts to contain COVID-19 and understand the need for uniformity in leisure and entertainment closing times across Lancashire.

“But given that Ribble Valley currently has a below average infection rate, I don’t believe there is enough justification for restricting people’s movements to this extent at this time.

“We have a high number of elderly people and isolated communities, who are reliant on social interaction, so are asking the Government to keep these measures under review and ease them here as soon as possible.

“I would like to thank the borough’s residents and businesses for their ongoing compliance with the pandemic regulations, and doing their bit to keep themselves, their loved ones and Lancashire safe.”