By KLTV Newsdesk
Local restrictions will be lifted for some areas of Kirklees from next Wednesday but will remain in place for the time being in Dewsbury and Batley where rates are higher – It has been announced.
The Government has decided that restrictions introduced to Kirklees on 29 July will still be in place in the following wards: Batley East, Batley West, Dewsbury East, Dewsbury South, and Dewsbury West. They will be lifted in the rest of Kirklees from 2 September 2020.
Areas where local restrictions are being lifted will now be in line with national guidance.
It’s will now be once again possible to meet with another household inside a private home or garden and in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.
It also means that businesses in these areas can offer close contact treatments again and casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas (including soft play areas), exhibition centres and conference halls can now reopen.
Although these local restrictions are being lifted in certain areas, people are still being infected across the whole borough.
The council has said that it is cruical that people continue to follow all the latest guidance and stay safe no matter where you live.
Commenting on the exclusion of Batley and Dewsbury from the lifting of local restrictions, Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “This week I asked Government for the whole of Kirklees to be lifted from these restrictions and this is still my view.
“So, I’m disappointed that people and businesses in Dewsbury and Batley will continue to be impacted by these restrictions for now. However, this decision shows that the Government agrees that we’re heading in the right direction.”
Cllr Pandor emphasised that the council will continue to press the Government to advise them on how to get Dewsbury and Batley lifted from restrictions.
In the meantime, the council has said it will continue it’s on the ground activities to bring infection rates down in the most at-risk areas
He added: “My message to people in Dewsbury and Batley is that I know how tough this has been and will continue to be, but if we all keep following the guidance and staying safe we will get these local restrictions lifted.
“I’m pleased that the Government has listened to us in part and has agreed to give most of our residents these freedoms back so they can start meeting with families and friends from other households again and businesses impacted by the restrictions can now start to recover.”
Commenting on today’s announcement by the government on COVID-19 restrictions in Kirklees, Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said: “Whilst I’m disappointed that the entirety of Batley and Spen has not had restrictions lifted, it is welcome news that some parts of the constituency will see a return to some semblance of normality.
“We will continue to work hard across all communities to ensure infection rates come down.
“I know many local businesses will be relieved that they will be able to open up again in line with the rest of the country which is welcome news but many Batley residents will still be concerned at the lack of support they have received from the Government whilst under increased restrictions.
“When Parliament reconvenes, I will continue calling for businesses in areas with increased restrictions to receive financial support.
“In the meantime, I expect further information in the coming days from Kirklees Council and the Government on how these restrictions will be lifted and the impact this will have on the re-opening of schools next week.”