'One size fits all’ Tier 3 policy for Nottinghamshire 'makes no sense' says Ashfield MP

Politicians and residents in Mansfield and Ashfield have questioned the need for higher coronavirus restrictions in areas of Nottinghamshire that have relatively low infection rates.
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Discussions are currently underway between council leaders, MPs and public health officials in Nottinghamshire to decide whether and when the entire county will be placed into the highest ‘Tier 3’ lockdown category, under which many more businesses including pubs are required to shut.

Nottingham itself has seen a huge surge in infection rates over recent weeks due in part to the return of students to the city, but this rise has so far not been repeated across the north of the county.

There are suggestions the whole of Nottinghamshire could go into Tier 3 lockdown, as is planned in Manchester, pictured (Lee McLean / SWNS).There are suggestions the whole of Nottinghamshire could go into Tier 3 lockdown, as is planned in Manchester, pictured (Lee McLean / SWNS).
There are suggestions the whole of Nottinghamshire could go into Tier 3 lockdown, as is planned in Manchester, pictured (Lee McLean / SWNS).
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In the seven days to October 14, Nottingham saw 2,714 cases of Covid-19, while the 7-day rolling average was 815.

However, in Mansfield there were just 197 cases and a rolling average of 180 while Ashfield had 249 cases at an average of 194.

The figures led some in the county to question whether placing the entire county into Tier 3 was necessary, arguing instead for a more targeted approach.

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson sent a letter to all council leaders in the county saying the current ‘one size fits all’ policy made ‘no sense’.

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He said: “Nearly half the county’s cases are within the city alone. Why on earth are our council leaders grouping the north of the county with the city? Bolsover was recently omitted from Tier 2 as it’s rate of infection is so much lower than other areas.

“Why hasn’t our council fought for us? We can’t shut businesses if our infection rate does not warrant it. People risk losing their homes and much more.”

And Mansfield MP, Ben Bradley, said Tier 3 discussions so far had focused on Nottingham and that he was ‘hopeful’ that Mansfield would stay out.

He said: “From my last conversation I understand that the county council do not want Tier 3 to be countywide, so I'm once again calling on the district council to stand up for residents and back us.

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"Last time they wouldn't, they called for more restrictions, but it's important that they get on board with my fight here so that we can have a clear message for Government.”

On social media, many residents were equally bemused.

Writing on Facebook, Mansfield business owner Jono Edwards said the current infection rate in Mansfield was less than 10 per cent on Nottingham and called on the Government to give the town ‘a chance’.

And Alan Freeman said: “It would be totally wrong to lob us in with Nottingham. Our town centre needs help not further kicks.”

On Twitter, @weirdlittlehen said it was ‘unfair’ to lock down the whole of Nottinghamshire because cases were high in the city, arguing Mansfield didn't even have enough cases to justify Tier 2 restrictions, let alone Tier 3.

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And @Phil65797730 called on Ben Bradley to ‘stand up’ for Mansfield, arguing cases had always been low in the town and there was ‘no need’ to further increase restrictions.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.