News

This is how a potential “three-tier” lockdown restrictions structure could look in Greater Manchester

A formal announcement from the government is not likely to come until Monday.

The Manc The Manc - 8th October 2020
Mark Waugh

The latest reports suggest that the UK government could be close to introducing new local lockdown restrictions in some of the worst-affected regions imminently.

It is being widely reported across various major media outlets this morning that the government is debating whether to shut down hospitality venues in certain areas of England where infection rates are continuing to rise as a means of getting the virus numbers back under control.

This could see pubs, bars and restaurants in many parts of the North of England – including Greater Manchester – forced to close premises for a period of time which is not yet understood.

There are also talks that there could be a ban on overnight stays away from home in these areas too.

It is believed that a decision on this could be reached at some point today, with a formal announcement not likely to come until Monday, although this has not been confirmed.

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This decision could be set to follow similar restrictions introduced by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday afternoon, which prohibits pubs, restaurants and cafes in most of the country from selling alcohol indoors for more than two weeks, and ordered pubs and restaurants in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley in the central belt to close for 16 days from Friday.

It’s thought that these potential restrictions could take effect from as early as Monday too.

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There are also strong suggestions that the government is likely to introduce a three-tier system for local lockdowns, which would see different parts of the country placed into different categories – although ministers are still believed to be discussing the precise details of the toughest level of restrictions over the next couple of days – but what does this really mean?

How could a potential “three-tier” restrictions system look if implemented in Greater Manchester?

Here is everything we know so far.

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The Department of Health confirmed last month that a potential new “three-tier” system was being considered, but the concept was signed off by government officials and politicians earlier this month and the roll-out of the new tiers is expected following imminent formal announcement.

As the name suggests – and as understood by the BBC – the system could see towns, cities and regions in England divided into three categories.

Tier 1

Areas that fall into tier one will have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 of population and residents living in these areas would be required to adhere to national restrictions.

This would include the “rule of six” and social distancing measures.

Tier 2

Tier two would kick in where cases are above 100 per 100,000.

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Restrictions for these areas would be similar to those currently in place in large parts of Northern England – including Greater Manchester – such as prohibiting the mixing of households in indoor and outdoor settings.

Tier 3

Under the tightest restrictions, areas which are placed into tier three would have significantly higher infection rates and would face “full lockdowns”, although this would exclude the closing of schools and essential businesses – such as supermarkets and certain retail outlets – as well as places of worship.

This does however indicate that it would pertains to the closing of hospitality venues

iStock

Information on the system – again as seen by the BBC – shows that there are plans for additional money to be distributed to local authorities which are placed into tiers two or three.

Local authorities would get £1 per head of population if placed into tier two, and £2 per head for tier three.

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There has been no formal confirmation at this stage as to which tier Greater Manchester would be placed into should the system be implemented in England, nor whether different areas / boroughs of Greater Manchester would be subject to different restrictions, or fall under different tiers.

More information is expected to be revealed to the public in due course.

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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News

UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.

As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.

Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.

On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.

UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK

Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.

Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.

The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.

“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.

Read more:

“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”

Featured Image – Aldi UK

News

‘Rogue’ Newton Heath corner shop illegally selling fireworks and tobacco closed by Council

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A Manchester corner shop which became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour has been forced to close by the Council.

Following several months of investigation into a string of alleged crimes and wrongdoing traced back to the premises, Manchester City Council successfully secured a Closure Order against Ash News and Booze, on Culcheth Lane in the Newton Heath area of Manchester – forcing the shop to close with immediate effect.

Some of the allegations levelled against the premises included drug dealing taking place outside, littering, anti-social use of e-bikes, and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

On top of this, the Council’s Trading Standards Team, alongside officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attended the shop to conduct a search on 7 November, during which they found fireworks on sale, illicit tobacco, as well as a canister of PAVA-style incapacitant – often known as CS gas.

This was despite the premises not being licensed to legally sell fireworks, leading to the fireworks and tobacco subsequently being seized by the Council.  

Ash News & Booze in Newton Heath, before it was closed by the Council / Credit: Google Maps

Police have separately made several arrests relating to drugs offences connected to the premises. 

During a hearing held on Thursday (14 November) at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, the owner of the premises claimed they were unaware of the alleged drug dealing or other criminal offences taking place, nor were they aware a licence was required to sell fireworks. 

Following the hearing, the shop will have to remain closed for a three-month period – with no one allowed to enter for any reason, other than the Council, the emergency services, or the owners. 

“We know how unpleasant it can be to experience anti-social behaviour,” said Councillor Garry Bridges, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, after the hearing.

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“With Miles Platting and Newton Heath one of the areas most affected by anti-social behaviour and the proliferation of fireworks, we believe this closure sends a clear message to any other premises which engage in this irresponsible manner.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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