Tier 2 restrictions prove controversial across North-East

Despite having no local lockdown restrictions Darlington will sit in Tier 2, meaning residents can no longer mix indoors, in line with the rest of the Tees Valley.

What Darlington leaders are saying

Darlington MP Peter Gibson said: "Whilst the virus continues to accelerate, we must do all we can to minimise its spread. While these restrictions are not welcome, I appreciate they are necessary to protect the health of people."

Councillor Heather Scott OBE, leader of Darlington Borough Council, which has asked the Government for funding to support businesses, said: "We don’t know how long these measures will last, but the more we all work together and do our bit, the better our chances will be of a swift improvement and removal of the measures.

“I am confident we will get through this together.”

What Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is saying

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who is currently isolating with his wife after she tested positive for the virus, said:  “It is absolutely essential that everyone across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool follow the rules so that we can get the virus back under control and return to normal as soon as possible.

“While it is incredibly difficult I urge everyone to prevent households mixing."

Up to six people will be able to meet outside, including in public spaces such as parks, and private gardens.

People are also advised not to travel except for essential reasons, such as getting to work or school.

Mr Houchen added: “By stepping up our fight we can keep as many people as safe as possible from the virus but also make sure our children can keep going to school and businesses which are Covid-secure can remain open.

“If we do not follow these rules our region and our nation will face even stricter restrictions that no one wants to see, restrictions that will have a catastrophic impact on everyone’s livelihoods and physical and mental health.

“It is essential that we do not spend a day longer than necessary under these new restrictions, so we will continue to monitor the data closely and I urge the government to lift the restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The Mayor also called for greater support for businesses in Tier 2, who are not forced to close but are expected to experience restricted footfall and revenue loss.

What Redcar and Cleveland Council is saying

Meanwhile, the leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has said she is disappointed with the additional measures and calls on Government to set out plan to end restrictions.

Cllr Mary Lanigan said: “We are disappointed that families in Redcar and Cleveland will face further restrictions on their lives.

"We did not request the additional measures and we are concerned about the effect they will have on people’s mental wellbeing and the risk to jobs and prosperity in our borough.

"We want everybody to be safe, but it is crucial that we all watch out for those who are most vulnerable.

“There has to be a way out of the restrictions and we are lobbying Government to establish clear guidance so we all know at what point we can start to see friends and family once again.

"This will also allow our businesses to plan with confidence and mean jobs will be saved, rather than lost. Not knowing what we have to do to have the restrictions lifted would be hugely damaging to the wellbeing of our residents and the viability of our economy."

What other North-East leaders are saying

North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll says the traffic light system will help with clarity but reiterated calls for additional support. 

He said: "What we need to avoid is a hokey cokey lockdown where we are in and out of restrictions. 

"The tiered system is helpful because clarity is what we really need and this helps simplify messaging but restrictions only work if people follow them. 

"We need to make it easy to follow and make sure that people get paid if they cannot work as part of that. 

"The worry is that people who are in tier three will get financial support but no one else. But that's acting when the problem is already there, we should be acting to prevent the problem."

Jonathan Walker, policy director, North East England Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Tier 2 rules but called for greater action to prevent the region reaching Tier 3.

He said: “Businesses are being put through intolerable and constant pressure about whether they are going to be asked to close at short notice. This is not acceptable.

"They need to be consulted with by national and local Government to ensure we all work closely to combat this pandemic. This will also allow us to play our part in getting the important messages out to our local communities.”