Ministers mulling whether to roll out Tier 4 restrictions to other parts of England from Boxing Day
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick said that ministers were debating whether tiers were 'sufficient robust'
Ministers will discuss the prospect of moving more areas of England into Tier 4 restrictions later today, Robert Jenrick has revealed.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government spoke to BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, explaining that the government’s committee would meet to determine whether the current system was doing enough to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“[We’re] going to review this and make a judgment,” said Jenrick.
“We don’t have an immediate plan to take action, but the number of cases is rising and the variant is spreading to other parts of the country.
“We will see whether it’s necessary to do more and see if the tier system is sufficiently robust for the new circumstances.”
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Jenrick clarified there was currently “absolutely no plan” to change restrictions before Christmas.
However, some reports have suggested that Tier 4 measures could come into effect in other parts of England as soon as Boxing Day.
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BBC
Cases have spiked in the south over the past few weeks – with scientists believing that a new, more transmissible coronavirus variant (first spotted in Kent) may be the cause.
Greater London and large sections of the south east are already in Tier 4 measures (which essentially amount to a lockdown) due to climbing case numbers. But many more regions may join them in a matter of days.
Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord has already urged the government to provide a warning so that local economies can prepare.
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Lord stated: “It’s being widely reported that more areas, including some Tier 2 areas, could go into Tier 4 soon.
“If this is the case, I urge the Government to give people and businesses notice, so that hospitality in those areas can act accordingly with bookings, staff and stock.”
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
The Manc -
23rd December 2020 
