MP calls for tighter restrictions to be lifted across majority of Burnley

In a letter to Matt Hancock, Mr Higginbotham said after reviewing the data available to him it was evident that significant progress had been made in containing the virus in every part of the borough

He goes on to call for nine of Burnley's 12 Middle Layer Super Output Areas – where data shows a "low Covid-19 prevalence" – to be moved from an Area of Intervention to an Area of Enhanced Support bringing household restrictions in line with the rest of the country.

The nine MSOAs are Harle Syke and Lanehead, Padiham, Habergham and Ightenhill, Whittlefield and Rose Grove, Brunshaw and Brownside, Cliviger, Worsthorne and Lane Bottom, Barclay Hills and Trinity, Hapton and Lowerhouse, and Rose Hill and Burnley Wood.

"In the most recent MSOA data, only 3 areas recorded more than 2 cases in the last 7 days, and these were all low numbers. This continues with the trend that has been seen over recent weeks.

"With this progress in mind I would be grateful if you could give consideration to moving the majority of the borough of Burnley from an Area of Intervention to an Area of Enhanced Support. This would allow us to continue with the significant testing which has proved so effective, whilst also bringing household restrictions in line with the rest of the country for most residents."

Mr Higginbotham advised the remaining three areas – Queensgate, Central Burnley and Daneshouse, Bank Hall and Fulledge – remain under tighter lockdown restrictions, but said positive progress was being made with rates falling from double digit to low single digits in some cases.

"It is vital that we provide a clear route map out of restrictions for these families too. As such, as soon as these areas have gone two weeks without new cases I would ask that they too are considered for removal from restrictions.

"This gives time for any incubation period of the virus and will be matched with continued community testing, including for those without symptoms, to ensure we are doing as much as we can to support residents.

A decision on whether lockdown restrictions will be lifted in the town, or at least in parts of the town, is expected later today.

In his weekly Burnley Express column, Mr Higginbotham said he was disappointed that his calls for adopting a more targeted local approach were not shared by the council.

"It’s clear from the data that is available to me that we can follow a more local approach here in Burnley, bringing some of our areas out of the additional restrictions and allowing us to provide more targeted help and support to those that can’t be brought out at this stage," he said.

"Unfortunately, however, this is not a view shared by all. Local council leadership remains of the view that a borough-wide approach must be maintained with no change to the level of restrictions currently in place that limits families seeing each other.

"Whilst I will continue to work with the council leader and local Director of Public Health to reach a consensus, families across Burnley and Padiham have made incredible sacrifices as a result of the pandemic and I believe it is incumbent on those of us in elected positions to allow them to meet one another, returning to the same position as the rest of the country as early as possible."

However, Mr Higginotham added in his letter to the Health Secretary that a consensus has been reached in relation to business restrictions which currently prohibit the provision of treatments on the face by beauticians and weddings receptions for 30 people, as well as mandating the ongoing closure of soft-play centres and bowling alleys amongst others.

"All are agreed that these businesses should be permitted to resume immediately with the data showing no correlation between these businesses and transmission. Can I therefore add my strong backing for this. These businesses employ hundreds of people and play a vital part in the vibrancy of Burnley and Padiham and, having gone so long without income, now need to restart with urgency."