Council leader reacts to Ribble Valley's Tier 3 status

As reported previously, all of Lancashire has again been put into the highest tier of restrictions as the national lockdown ends.

Under the new system in tier one, a maximum of six people can meet indoors or outdoors; in tier two, there is no mixing of households indoors, while a maximum of six people can meet outdoors; and in tier three – the toughest – household mixing is not allowed indoors, or in most outdoor places although up to six will be able to meet in large outdoor spaces such as parks.

Reacting to the news, Ribble Valley Borough Council leader, Coun. Stephen Atkinson, said: “The end of the second national lockdown is to be welcomed and the borough’s infection rates have dramatically reduced while it was in place.

“It is good news that shops, leisure facilities, hair salons and many other businesses can reopen, but despite strong representations the Government has proceeded with grouping the whole of Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool together in Tier 3.

“We support the Government in its efforts to contain Covid-19 and understand the need for a new tier system, but putting Ribble Valley into Tier 3 without sufficient justification will be devastating for the borough’s hospitality businesses, which are being disproportionately affected by these ongoing restrictions.

“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.

“But I don’t believe there is enough justification for restricting people’s lives to this extent at this time and am urging the Government to review these measures in Ribble Valley as soon as possible.”