Risk of even tighter measures if town fails to get coronavirus ‘back under control’

It comes after the Government announced a range of new rules for the town, which come into force on Tuesday, to curb the spread of Covid-19.

READ MORE>> New increased coronavirus restrictions imposed in Warrington

Mr Carter, who holds the seat for Warrington South, said: “We’ve done incredibly well here in Warrington following the guidance but having looked carefully at the number of cases and the speed of transmission we need to take action to address the spread locally.

"If we don’t get it back under control we run the risk of further measures so I’m urging people to adhere to the proportional guidance coming out today.

“The spread in 20 – 29 year olds is particularly worrying and whilst the majority of these people are fit and well there’s an increasing risk them passing on to older family members which is why we’re asking people not to visit the homes of relatives. 

"The decision to ask bars and clubs to close at 10pm is a difficult one but I hope one that will contribute quickly to the goal of stopping further transmission.

“Further guidance and details of the measures are due to come into play next Tuesday for Warrington and areas of the north west and I’ll look to keep in contact with ministers over the weekend so that I can support people appropriately.

"Washing hands, wearing a mask when shopping or in an enclosed public space and keeping 2 metres from others wherever possible still remains relevant so I ask everyone to continue to play their part."

Labour Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols says she knows the news over the tougher restrictions will be ‘hugely disappointing’.

MP Charlotte Nichols

She said: “Many people will be worrying about their loved ones – particularly those who are most vulnerable. Local business owners will be worried about their livelihoods having been hit so hard during the first lockdown.

“However, I firmly believe that these restrictions are necessary if we are going to protect local lives and local livelihoods. And everyone in Warrington is going to have to play their part in tackling the virus by following the new rules.

“The Government will also have to play its part. They must provide Warrington with the resources needed locally, including testing, to support our NHS and our local economy.

“I want to reassure Warrington North residents and businesses that I will be doing all that I can to support those who are struggling at this time. I will be calling for funding support for affected businesses, and my office is here for anyone who is facing difficulties. So please do get in touch.

“If we can all follow the guidance and stay safe, my hope is that the restrictions can be lifted as swiftly as possible.”

The town’s Liberal Democrats are calling on everyone to abide by the rules in order to protect the vulnerable and minimise coronavirus-related deaths.

Leader Cllr Bob Barr said: "The Liberal Democrat group accepts that new restrictions applied in Warrington to protect the population from the effects of increased community transmission of the Covid-19 virus are necessary, appropriate, and based on the balance of expert opinion.

Cllr Bob Barr

"We are very concerned that the test, track and trace programme has not, so far, proved adequate in Warrington. It is essential to minimise risks, while respecting the needs of the local economy.

"Central Government has failed to co-operate adequately with local authorities on the roll-out.

"A small minority of residents in Warrington are flaunting the rules and are being aggressive towards those complying with the regulations. They must stop, and if they don’t stop they need to be prosecuted. Covid-19 protection must not become part of the national ‘culture war’."

Stephen Fitzsimons, interim chief executive of Warrington Chamber of Commerce, has labelled the additional restrictions as ‘concerning’ but ‘not entirely unexpected’.

Stephen Fitzsimons

He said: “Businesses have been doing their part, investing significant resources into making customer interactions as safe as possible.

“However, it is evident that a small minority have not been adhering to the national guidance.

“Masks must be worn where instructed and social distancing needs to be maintained at all times. Warrington commerce has fought hard for its survival over the last six months and the public’s co-operation is essential in maintaining the momentum.

“Of course our shops, offices, warehouses and factories are better prepared than they were in March, but we need to avoid two steps forward and one back.”

And Paul Taylor, vice chair of Cheshire Business Leaders and a director at Warrington Chamber of Commerce, has expressed concerns over the situation.

He said: “It is certainly worrying to see the rates increasing across the North of England as they seem to be doing at the moment.

“It’s hard to see the real picture as the testing system is still failing to meet the demand of those needing to take a test but with schools now being open alongside pubs and restaurants you’d imagine that something will have to give and further restrictions are likely. I doubt that will be a surprise to anyone.

Paul Taylor

“You only have to look at other European countries and they decisive way they have reacted and hope that we can manage to do the same. 

“It’s extremely hard for businesses to plan and react as the measures are introduced so rapidly but that’s the nature of what is happening and we have to deal with it to keep people safe.

“With the grants ending and furlough scheme coming to an end it will be very hard for companies to deal with forced closures but hopefully the government will introduce a further safety net for this.

“Hopefully these regional tweaks will see a drop in numbers soon but we need the testing to be working in order to judge that since this started we have only managed to keep on top of testing when the virus was at its lowest ebbs.

“When it peaks everything just seems to break. If the national approach isn’t working then they should perhaps the government should make more use of local resources.

“It makes it very hard for employers to ensure their staff are Covid free and able to attend the workplace when they develop a symptom that’s on the list if the employee can’t even get a test.”