A call has been made to support traders in Preston, as Tier 4 restrictions come into force in the city.

Preston moved into Tier 4 at 00.01 this morning (Thursday 31 December) along with the rest of Lancashire.

As a result, only essential retailers can remain open. While non-essential retailers must close, they can continue to operate click-and-collect and delivery services.

Read more: These are the full tier-4 restrictions for Preston and Lancashire

Speaking to Blog Preston, Preston BID Manager Mark Whittle said businesses of all sizes need local backing as they continue to battle through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We understand that safety is a primary concern, and that measures that none of us would welcome are considered necessary, by experts, at this moment in time,” said Mark.

“City centre traders really need our support, either by using them for essentials as permitted, or by clicking and collecting.

“Businesses, large and small, have had a turbulent time and really need us to stand by them as we enter 2021.”

Mark also expressed his disappointment at the Tier 4 news, and said he would like to see restrictions applied locally, rather than at a county-wide level.

Read more: Preston City Council’s leader reacts to Tier 4 restrictions decision

He said: “It is disappointing that Preston, being part of Lancashire, finds itself in Tier 4. That’s especially as the city’s rates over the last seven days have reduced and currently sit below the national average; whereas some areas within the county continue to rise.

“We understand that for clarity of messaging, restrictions are implemented on a county-wide basis. However, we, together with other bodies, have called on the government for restrictions to be considered and implemented on a more localised level.

“We remain hopeful that the roll-out of the vaccine programme can be expedited to see normal life resume as soon as possible.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Will you be supporting Preston’s businesses during Tier 4? Let us know in the comments.