'Disappointment' as Mansfield businesses will 'suffer in Tier 4'

The government’s harshest coronavirus rules came into force at midnight.

Mansfield’s Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams, said: “Welcoming in 2021 from Tier 4 was not what any of us wanted but rising rates across all age groups in Nottinghamshire mean it is important we stick together through this.

“The roll-out of vaccines brings light to the end of the tunnel but will take time for our most vulnerable to be protected. In the meantime it’s vital we keep following the guidance in full.

“Thanks to the majority of Mansfield residents who have followed the advice since March. We all have a role to play bringing down infection rates, the new variant spreads even faster, it’s more important than ever to follow Tier 4 rules, remembering hands, face, space.”

MP Lee Anderson added: "I’m very disappointed that once again small businesses will suffer more financial hardship. These are difficult times and as MP for Ashfield and Eastwood who speaks to the Chief Executive and staff at Kings Mill on a regular basis, it would be remiss of me to ignore their current plight.

"Beds at Kings Mill are filling up, staff are worn out and as someone who stood on the doorstep clapping our NHS every Thursday night we need to think of our NHS and the stress they are under. With news of another vaccine approved we have hope there is end in sight, 2021 has to be a better year.”

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s an extremely negative way to end a desperate year for many businesses and communities.

“This delivers another huge blow to business confidence just as some signs of light were spotted, with an EU trade deal and a second vaccine.

“After the cancellation of Christmas for firms in industries such as hospitality, events and tourism, many sectors were looking to 2021.

“The Government has a difficult task on its hands managing the escalating number of coronavirus cases resulting from this new strain, but businesses are being left to pick up the pieces.

“Extending the Job Retention Scheme until the end of April was a welcome move in preventing an immediate unemployment disaster, but Government now needs to up its game when it comes to supporting the businesses hugely affected.”

In Kirkby in Ashfield Ewa Tinklin runs ‘Twisted Tinkz’ barbers, on Low Moor Road.

She said: “We always take the safety of customers extremely seriously. We covered chairs, workstations and door handles with a material impregnated with silver nitrate known for killing viruses. We provided face masks and shields for staff and disposable gowns for customers.

"To close for the third time in nine months feels like a kick in the teeth for our business. We’ve done everything we’ve been told to do and more.”

Councillor Dale Grounds, a member of Ashfield District Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Panel said, “Councillor Daniel Williamson and I are supporting businesses like Twisted Tinkz. The work that Ewa and her team did to make their shop COVID-secure has been used as an example to others. I will be working with ADC to ensure this and other businesses get the support they desperately need and deserve.”