Concerns grow for hotel and holiday park owners in Lancashire as new restrictions advise against overnight stays

This morning (October 16) the borough of Lancashire was placed under the new Tier 3 restrictions, meaning they are considered to be on a 'very high' covid alert by the government.
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And although hotels, holiday parks and other venues offering overnight stays have not been forced to shut, guidance advising against holidays in the borough has caused worry for business owners.

Jayne Bolton, manager of Old Ducombe House B&B, Garstang Road, said: "We will have to see and wait what financial support comes through to help us but there has not been enough up to now.

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"We are worried about our future because we have already been affected for the last few months and ever since the first restrictions came in. We are seeing fewer and fewer bookings and it is very quiet.

Under new Tier 3 restrictions, people are being advised against overnight stays in the boroughUnder new Tier 3 restrictions, people are being advised against overnight stays in the borough
Under new Tier 3 restrictions, people are being advised against overnight stays in the borough

"Now nobody will want to come out and it will only get quieter, hopefully we get through it."

Speaking on behalf of Lancashire's leaders, Lancashire County Council's leader Geoff Driver CBE said: "Across Lancashire, the coronavirus situation is serious and getting worse. Lancashire's leaders all agree that, as we approach winter, urgent action has to be taken now to ensure the county is not overwhelmed by the virus.

"After major negotiations with government, we have agreed a bespoke deal for Lancashire that means our businesses and residents will receive extra support that will not be available elsewhere in the country.

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"I want to thank all of the Lancashire leaders for the constructive and meaningful discussions we have had over the past week. The deal has presented real challenges for some and they have only been able to sign up with reluctance, but we have been willing to work across party lines so that we can hammer this out with government.

Old Duncombe house B&B owner Jayne said bookings are becoming fewer and fewerOld Duncombe house B&B owner Jayne said bookings are becoming fewer and fewer
Old Duncombe house B&B owner Jayne said bookings are becoming fewer and fewer

"These new restrictions will affect us all, but we know they will be particularly harsh on those who make their living in our hospitality sector. It is a vital and valued part of our economy and we are all committed to maximising the support we can give as a result of this deal."

Haven's Cala Gran and Marton Mere have announced they are remaining open and encouraging guests to continue enjoying holidays despite the new restrictions, with their bars and show bars being closed to meet in line with new restrictions.

A spokesperson said: "Due to previous local restrictions, guests visiting these parks were already unable to mix indoors or book accommodation outside of their household or household support bubble. The move to the Very High Local Covid Alert Level means they will also be unable to mix outdoors with other groups or families outside of their household or household support bubble.

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"While we are still open, we appreciate that there have been changes to our original holiday offering and guests are able to move their holiday.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our guests and owners, but we must follow all Government legislation to ensure that we continue to protect all visitors to our parks as best as possible during the pandemic."

People living in very high alert areas are advised to avoid staying overnight in other parts of the UK, except for work, education or caring responsibilities. This includes second homes, or staying with anyone you do not live with in other parts of the country.

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