'We'll lose the public without consistency in Covid restrictions', South Ribble leader warns

That is the message from the leader of South Ribble Borough Council who says that attitudes to the rules and guidance have shifted – in spite of the fact that most residents and businesses in the borough “still want to comply”.

Paul Foster was speaking after reports emerged that the government was planning to introduce a traffic-light system of tiered restrictions which will be imposed based on coronavirus rates in different areas.

However, the district leader warned that the move may not be a panacea in what he sees as a growing battle to win hearts and minds over the limitations being put on people’s lives.

“There will need to be a clear trigger point for each of the tiers – this can’t be dictated by politicians in each case, it has to be more clear-cut than that.

“I fear that we are losing the community on this, because people are confused and fed up.

“Overwhelmingly, the response is much more negative than it was during the national lockdown - and I think that’s for two reasons.

“First, people think the restrictions are being selectively imposed and second, they don’t believe they are working because the rates are still going up,” Cllr Foster added.

Reports have suggested that the tiered system will be based on a top tier in which household mixing is banned in all settings and hospitality venues are closed; a middle tier with household mixing outlawed in private homes and gardens and most public settings; and a lower tier where only national restrictions apply, such as the "rule of six".

Meanwhile, the Post can reveal that neither South Ribble Council nor Preston City Council have so far deployed any “Covid marshals”, a role created by the government last month to help encourage adherence to social distancing and face-covering requirements.

South Ribble has instead employed two health protection technical officers, to work alongside its environmental health team, dealing with complaints about compliance with Covid rules and encouraging residents and businesses to follow the guidance. They have enforcement powers if it is necessary to use them.

Preston said that it was awaiting confirmation of “funding and logistical information” about the Covid marshal role.

The city council’s chief executive Adrian Phillips added: “Our environmental health teams are working flat out visiting hundreds of premises throughout the city to ensure they are Covid-secure and to help explain the new restrictions.

“This important work is in conjunction with Lancashire Police to ensure our city is Covid compliant and safe. This is important for both businesses and members of the public.

“We are aware of government’s proposals to support street marshals to help increase compliance with covid regulations including wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance in public.

“We will continue to review and prioritise how best to utilise our resources while continuing to deliver other urgent services that have developed as a result of the pandemic,” Mr. Phillips said.