Buckinghamshire Council Leader Martin Tett: "Tier Four a nasty sting in the tail at the end of a terrible year"

Martin has written to Buckinghamshire Residents expressing his disappointment and shock that Buckinghamshire is now under Tier Four lockdown.
Martin has written to Buckinghamshire Residents expressing his disappointment and shock that Buckinghamshire is now under Tier Four lockdown.Martin has written to Buckinghamshire Residents expressing his disappointment and shock that Buckinghamshire is now under Tier Four lockdown.
Martin has written to Buckinghamshire Residents expressing his disappointment and shock that Buckinghamshire is now under Tier Four lockdown.

He wrote:

"You will almost certainly have seen, heard or read about Saturday’s announcement by the Prime Minister that Buckinghamshire has been placed under even tighter ‘Tier 4’ restrictions, along with many other parts of east and south east England.

"These new rules took effect at one minute past midnight yesterday morning and replace the Tier 3 restrictions we previously had been put into.

"These new rules for Buckinghamshire also mean that, very sadly, ‘Christmas bubbles’ are now not allowed and people in Bucks should spend Christmas within their own household or support bubble only. Non-essential retail is also closed.

"This development is a shock to us all and is certainly a nasty sting in the tail at the end of a terrible year. Frankly, I did not expect this, although the figures I see regularly were clearly heading in the wrong direction across the whole council area, in all former District Council areas.

"I had thought that we might have additional restrictions after Christmas but did not expect the problem to escalate so rapidly. It’s clear that the pandemic has, unfortunately, entered a new phase especially due to the risk posed by the new variant strain of the COVID-19 virus, which government scientists tell us makes the coronavirus spread more easily.

"Because we have seen the number of cases in Buckinghamshire increase rapidly in recent weeks, the situation is one of urgency as we try to contain the spread of the virus. You can see our latest data on the Council’s website via our COVID-19 dashboard and via information published by the Government. The Government also has an interactive map where you can find the latest case numbers in your postcode area.

"I am aware from emails I receive that some people are not supportive of the new Tier 4 restrictions.

"I fully understand that. Personally, I am very concerned for our Buckinghamshire businesses and the real threat to their future and the jobs they create.

"Nevertheless, whatever one’s own private opinions, this is now the law and we should follow the new rules. If we do not, we risk spreading the new Covid strain further across the UK.

"On a positive note, this past week saw our first vaccination centre open and next week should hopefully see two more open.

"I am also expecting more sites either before or just after New Year. These are run by the NHS and they will contact people to advise them when and where to attend. Please wait to be contacted, although I understand that can be frustrating.

"2020 has been a horrible year but there is hope on the horizon and we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe until then."