Lancashire leaders submit proposals for a split tier county – with Preston to be put in Tier 3

County Hall on Fishergate Hill in Preston city centre Pic: Tony Worrall

Lancashire’s leaders have submitted a proposal to the Government to divide the county into two different tiers when the current lockdown ends next week.

The news comes following Preston City Council leader, Cllr Matthew Brown sent an open letter to local MPs detailing why he believes Preston should be placed in Tier 2 when lockdown 2 ends.

Advertisements

Following discussions this morning by council leaders from across the county, a request has been made for Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle and Preston to go into Tier 3 restrictions.

It is then proposed that the rest of the county, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster, Chorley, South Ribble, Ribble Valley and West Lancashire, would go into Tier 2.

Advertisements

The final decision on which tiers areas will go into is to be made by the Government, but it has been indicated they will take into account local requests from political leaders.

Shaun Turner, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: “We hope that the Government will take into consideration our proposals for the tier system in Lancashire.

“This morning’s meeting was very productive, and showed how united the county is in the face of this pandemic.

“We are seeing rates reduce across almost all parts of the county and that is down to the hard work and sacrifices of our residents. I can only thank everyone for playing their part.

“With lower rates we believe it is appropriate for some parts of the county to go into Tier 2, and hope it will be very soon before they are joined by the rest of the county.

The latest news updates in your area can be seen below

“We can all still play our part in helping to reduce the spread and protect each other, and ensure the rate falls even further to allow us all into Tier 1.

“I would urge people to continue to follow the Hands Face Space guidance.

“People are also advised to stay at home and self-isolate if they’re showing symptoms, and please get tested so that we can help to reduce the spread.”