Restrictions lift for most areas of Kirklees tomorrow - but not all

The decision by Government came into effect yesterday meaning people in those areas can meet with another household again inside a private home or garden and in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.

However, the wards of Batley East, Batley West, Dewsbury East, Dewsbury West and Dewsbury South will continue to be covered by measures designed to control the virus and impact on infection rates.

Leader of Kirklees Council Shabir Pandor said he was ‘disappointed’ that Dewsbury and Batley still faced restrictions but the decision ‘shows Government agrees that we’re heading in the right direction’.

He said: “To people in Dewsbury and Batley, I know how tough this has been and will continue to be, but if we all keep following the guidance and staying safe we will get these local restrictions lifted.”

Areas where local restrictions are being lifted will now be in line with national guidance.

Dewsbury MP Mark Eastwood said the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty had looked at the data around infection rates and judged that it was ‘not right’ for Dewsbury and Batley to have restrictions removed.

Mr Eastwood said: “As a resident of Dewsbury myself I’m disappointed the data doesn’t allow for Dewsbury to come out.

“However I’ll continue to work with Kirklees Council leaders and [Batley & Spen MP] Tracy Brabin to ensure we reduce the infection rates in our areas so they can be released at the earliest opportunity.

“We’re on a roadmap here, but we need clarity from Government as to what level of infection we need to go down to so we can enable Dewsbury to be released.”

He stressed national guidelines remained in place and encouraged people in affected areas to adhere to them.

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said: “While I’m disappointed the entirety of Batley and Spen has not had restrictions lifted, it’s welcome news some parts of the constituency will see a return to some semblance of normality.

“I know many local businesses will be relieved they will be able to open up again in line with the rest of the country, which is welcome news but many Batley residents will still be concerned at the lack of support they’ve received from Government, while under increased restrictions.

Ms Brabin called for business in areas with restrictions to receive financial support at parliament on Tuesday.

The Batley & Spen MP is also monitoring the impact restrictions will have on the re-opening of schools next week.

Cleckheaton councillor John Lawson and leader of the Lib Dems on Kirklees Council, said as well as bringing some parts of the borough ‘back into line’ with the rest of the country, it also presented ‘a lot of unanswered questions’ for people living in areas where extra measures remain in place.

He said: “How much further do rates need to drop, and if numbers rise in the next highest area, will they bring in extra measures the next week?

“Business, transport, education and personal lives are going to be more complex for people who have family just across the street, or are travelling to work or school.

“It’s more important than ever people are supported so the extra restrictions can be lifted throughout the borough.”