Hucknall councillors praise community spirit as they urge compliance with new tier two COVID-19 rules

The prospect of new local measures had been hotly debated over the past week following a spike in cases in Nottingham. Ultimately, it was decided the whole county faced a heightened risk and was placed in tier two.

Coun Kevin Rostance, who represents Hucknall West on the county council, said: “A lot of people have been feeling put out by it, with their areas keeping levels down but some action needed to be taken, and it needed total adoption by the county. The various councils are putting politics aside and working together for the benefit of everyone in Nottinghamshire.

“The devil is in the detail. These aren’t isolated areas. If you just shut city pubs, for example, it would simply ship the problem into the county.”

Under the new rules, people must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, and must not meet in a group of more than six outdoors. People are also advised to limit journeys on public transport.

Coun Rostance continued: “It's all about striking a balance. We are keeping children in school and the economy open. It’s a matter of following the rules and getting the right advice and reassurances to people.

“Council staff at Ashfield and the county are doing a wonderful job and the people of Hucknall have been absolutely amazing so far. Most already are following the rules. It’s sad that some aren’t and it will be a tragedy if it then spreads to the vulnerable.”

Coun Jim Blagden, Ashfield District Council’s vice-chairman of the Covid -19 committee, said: “Of course I am in favour of the new lockdown, it’s the only way to get the rate of transmission down and keeping everybody safe. It’s a case of doing what we’re told.

“Now we know more about the virus, it’s right to tackle it at local level. It may be even harder now, after a long time living with restrictions, but Hucknall folk are resilient and there has been a magnificent community response like we’ve not seen for decades.”

He added: “The council is working really hard and people are in place to support businesses. We realise they are going through the mill.”