Boris Johnson confirmed in the House of Commons today that the government would be implementing new restrictions to tackle the rise of COVID cases in Britain.
The Prime Minister said that office workers should now work from home where possible.
From Thursday, pubs, bars and restaurants in England must operate table service only – closing at 10pm.
The legal requirement to wear face coverings will be extended to retail, taxis and hospitality (unless drinking/eating), whilst COVID-secure guidelines will now become law.
Fines of £10,000 will be issued to businesses who do not adhere to the new rules.
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Those who do not wear a face covering where required to do so may also be liable for £200 fines – even for a first offence.
From Monday, a maximum 15 people can attend weddings and receptions. Up to 30 can attend funerals.
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Reintroducing sports fans to stadiums will not go ahead on October 1 as originally planned.
The Prime Minister gave the statement to his fellow politicians at Westminster on Tuesday afternoon, praising the fortitude of the British people but admitting the UK had reached “a perilous turning point.”
The announcement came just over 24 hours after a presentation from top medical advisers Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance – which revealed British cases could reach 50,000 per day.
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Johnson also used Spain and France as examples of how the numbers would grow “unless we act”.
Reports had already speculated that England’s hospitality sector would be subjected to new restrictions.
Michael Gove had also hinted at tighter measures during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, admitting the government were set to make a u-turn on their ‘Back to Work’ plan; changing their tune to ask for people to work from home instead.
As many as 11 million UK residents are currently living under social curbs.
Fines of up to £10,000 will also be introduced from Monday to anyone who does not self-isolate when asked/required to do so.
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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.
Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.
Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.