MP Victoria Atkins’ message of hope - ‘2021 will be better’

Victoria Atkins MP - hoping the Louth and Horncastle constituency will come out of Tier 3 as soon as possible.

Ms Atkins voted in favour of the Government’s controversial tier system, meaning all Lincolnshire is included in the strictest ranking.

She salutes the ‘sacrifices’ made by people during the pandemic and urges them to adhere to the restrictions.

Ms Atkins says that is vital in order for the county to ‘move down’ to a lower tier when Prime Minster Boris Johnson reviews the rankings on December 16.

The MP is also backing calls to ‘shop local’ and has launched a Facebook campaign in support of business.

Another ‘virtual’ campaign sees Ms Atkins offering support to ‘hard hit’ pubs and restaurants to advertise takeaway services - again on her Facebook page.

Regarding the vaccine, Ms Atkins writes on the site: “2021 is going to be a better year!

“Well done and huge thanks to the scientists and all involved in developing this vaccine.”

With regard to the Tier rating, Ms Atkins says: “The Government recognises that there has been an overall improvement in Lincolnshire, however Covid-19 rates remain high throughout the county and our local NHS is still under pressure, particularly for units treating the more serious cases.

“I understand that these restrictions are difficult for constituents and businesses and I want to thank everyone for the sacrifices they have and continue to make.

“I recognise this particularly affects the hospitality sector and I will press the importance of support.

“The Government will review tiers every two weeks so we must keep up the adherence to the government guidance and follow #handsfacespace so we can suppress the virus and move down from the highest tier as quickly as possible. “

Ms Atkins was not among the Tory rebels who voted against the much criticised tier system.

She has not commented yet on calls by some MPs to effectively divide Lincolnshire into smaller areas - leaving only the worst affected in Tier 3.

There has been criticism from some residents, businesses owners, and councillors in the Horncastle area about the Tier 3 rating.

It has been widely accepted Horncastle has a much lower rate of infections than other parts of East Lindsey.

However, a tier system based on individual towns and villages is seen as impractical.

Meanwhile, Ms Atkins goes on to support the local hospitality businesses who cannot yet open because of the tier system.

She said: “I have e set up a new Facebook group for our much-loved local pubs, cafes and restaurants in to advertise and encourage people to #EatLocal, #OrderLocal, #BackLocal.

“If you run a pub, restaurant, or café, please feel free to share posts to the page to introduce your business and publish your current takeaway/delivery menus and services.

“The hospitality industry is facing particularly tough challenges at the moment and whilst we cannot visit our locals in person, we  can still support them and give them an extra boost by ordering takeaway and delivery where we can.

“Please share this page far and wide with your friends and family so all can find out and support the many fantastic services our local hospitality businesses offer!”

Hospitality businesses are hoping the Tier 3 ranking will be eased as soon as possible.

•To join the group,visit www.facebook.com/groups/419699929416286