'I'm so fed up with it all': Your reaction to Lancashire being placed into Tier 3

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has now confirmed that Lancashire will be in Tier 3 (Very High Alert) when national lockdown is lifted on Wednesday, December 2.

In Tier 3, there can be no mixing of households indoors or in most outdoor places, with hospitality venues closed except for takeaway, drive-through or delivery. Travel outside the area should also be avoided, said the Health Secretary.

The new restrictions apply to the whole of Lancashire, including Preston, Blackpool, South Ribble, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster, Chorley, Ribble Valley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, said: "Whilst we're disappointed that the government didn't take into account Lancashire's large and complex geography, what this decision does do is make crystal clear what everyone needs to do in Lancashire to drive infection rates down.

"By our collective efforts, we have made substantial progress over the past number of weeks, and this work needs to continue in the coming weeks. We've done so well to drive down the rates of infection, we don’t want to lose those gains now. By continuing to work together and build on this work so that in the forthcoming reviews we can show that Lancashire can go into Tier 2.

"Coronavirus continues to have a devastating effect on our communities and our economy and we know that our hospitality in particular is suffering greatly. The sooner we can get these restrictions eased, the sooner these sectors can start to rebuild, so it's more important than ever for us all to play our part."

A review of the new tier system is scheduled for December 16.

Here's a selection of some of your views following the announcement:

Anthony Pearce: "I somehow doubt people are going to follow this. I don't blame them, lockdowns are not effective at all. If lockdowns and restrictions work we would be seeing it taper off."

Richard Tattersall: "They should have only put the parts with still high infection rates in Tier 3 like Blackburn and Oldham."

Wendy Curnock: "I'm so fed up with it all. My business has suffered so much along with lots of other peoples. We do as we are told and stay at home for most of the year but it doesn't make an ounce of difference.

"Why lock us down for 4 weeks, put us in Tier 3 and then tell us to go mix with others over Christmas for 5 days? It's a joke.

"How the hospitality industry recovers from this I don't know. Does the government not want any pubs or restaurants anymore?"

Pauline Thomas: "While it would have been nice if Chorley and South Ribble were in Tier 2 it would be difficult to police so it is what it is.

"We've managed without going to the pub for this long I guess we can hang on a big longer if it means we can be safe and hopefully once the vaccine is out look forward to a better time next year."

Kerry Ross: "I don't understand. Lancashire rates are falling. London is Tier 2, with higher and climbing rates?"

Lesley Kim: "Not fair on public service workers. When are we going to see our distanced loved ones. This is the end of my tolerance."

Ian Heed: "Absolutely ridiculous. Another example of a clueless government out of touch with the whole country."

Elaine Glass: "Load of rubbish! Absolutely no confidence in this shambolic government."

Anthony Ellison: "Just do as you're told and the local lockdown will be over quicker, don't and it will be extended, it's up to you."

Tracey Bates: "Just get on with it, follow the rules and then all of us can get our lives back. It's not rocket science no matter what you believe."

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