Council leader responds to West Lindsey being placed in tier 3

Coun Owen Bierley, leader of West Lindsey District Council said: “While Lincolnshire has been put into the very high alert by the Government, it is important more than ever that we continue to work together.

“A lot of great work is taking place across out district, in our communities and in our businesses to keep people safe and I cannot thank people enough for the work they are doing.

“We know for many this news will feel like a setback as you have all been asked to do so much already but we need to keep going.

“Now is not the time to stop or become complacent. Being placed in the highest alert tier demonstrates more than ever that the virus is present in our communities.

“To protect our loved ones we need you all to continue to take personal responsibility for your actions and look out for others.

“I know many of you will be concerned about your businesses and livelihoods and I wanted to say that West Lindsey along with all our partners across the Lincolnshire councils are working together to seek more grant funding.

“While we are conscious that government has already issued significant funds to support business and communities we are conscious that the discretionary elements may be insufficient to support everyone that needs it in an extended lockdown period.

“We will therefore approach government to see if more funding can be made available. Once we know what this means for our local area we will let you know.

“I must stress that for us to come out of this tier as swiftly as possible we must all continue to work together to help suppress the virus.

“Please follow government guidelines of washing hands, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distance.

“We can get through this by continuing to work together.”

Coun Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council and chair of the Lincolnshire Outbreak Engagement Board, said: "Although our figures have been high in some districts and lower elsewhere, there's a clear levelling off and drop in the numbers as the lockdown restrictions and the considerable efforts of our residents begin to take effect.

"While some of our districts have infection rates well below the England average, why should the whole of Lincolnshire go into tier 3 for the sake of higher rates in some districts – it doesn't make sense.

"We'll need to discuss support for our businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector who will lose most of their trade. This is an important aspect of our economy and we will want to have a conversation about the additional support our businesses would need during this time.

"We appreciate that the furlough and other support is in place until March 31, but many of our businesses will only partially open and need the Christmas economy to survive given the nature of this year.

"As a minimum we will need additional discretionary business support grants so we can assist those most in need and look forward to a conversation about these details so our economy is not disadvantaged.

"It seems like a big blow for Lincolnshire, with our residents working with us all the way to bring down infection rates. Four of our districts have infection rates below the national average and I'm expecting the drop in those other areas to continue, which means we could soon be below the England average. We'll be looking to move out of Tier 3 as soon as possible if the picture continues to improve.

"I must urge everyone to work with us to bring down our infection rates. Keep to the hands, face, space guidance, keep to the restrictions in place, so we can minimise the risk of catching or passing on the virus.

"If you develop any symptoms no matter how mild then please isolate yourself and book a test, and while you wait for the test and the result please continue isolating for the safety of others.

"We will work with everyone towards a better result in two weeks' time when the tiers are reviewed."

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