High Peak MP 'very disappointed' borough is staying under Tier 3 restrictions

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the news of the first review of the tiers this morning, with only two areas – Bristol and North Somerset and Herefordshire- moving down a tier. A number of other areas will be moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3 including Portsmouth, Peterborough and Bedfordshire.

Derbyshire was placed into Tier 3 restrictions at the start of December when the second national lockdown ended, and Mr Hancock has confirmed it will stay in Tier 3 until at least the next review on December 30.

Coronavirus in Derbyshire LIVE: County remains in Tier 3

Mr Largan said that though there had been a spike in cases in the High Peak in recent days, the borough was still below the national average.

“I am very disappointed that High Peak and the rest of Derbyshire will remain under Tier 3 restrictions,” he said.

"The Government will shortly be publishing the data behind the decision and I will be scrutinising it closely.

“However, High Peak is still below the national average, and I have consistently made the case that High Peak should leave Tier 3 restrictions as soon as possible, including earlier today in the House of Commons at Cabinet Office Questions.

“That is why I voted against putting High Peak into Tier 3 restrictions earlier this month. I will continue to make this case and call for more support for High Peak pubs, restaurants, hotels, and other small businesses.

“In the meantime, I strongly encourage everyone to follow the rules and help keep each other safe. The vaccine is being rolled out now and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this crisis, together.”

He added that latest figures show that in particular Buxton has seen a big rise in cases with the rolling rate in Buxton South and East at 321.3, higher than the national average. Sizeable increases have also been seen in Gamesley and Hadfield.

However, cases are continuing to fall in other parts of the High Peak, including Chinley and Whaley Bridge, leaving the borough as a whole under the national average.

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The Government has announced a relaxtion of the rules for a five-day period from December 23 to 27 to allow people to form a Christmas bubble of three households and this will continue, regardless of which tier each area is in.

But the plans have drawn criticism in a joint editorial by the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal which says the decision to ease restrictions would “cost many lives”.

Tier 3 restrictions – the very high category – mean no household mixing indoors is permitted, but groups of up to six can meet outdoors in public space such as a park, but not in private gardens.

It also means that hospitality venues including pubs and restaurants must remain closed, though takeaway service only is permitted.

Indoor entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres and bowling alleys, will also stay closed.

Wedding ceremonies can go ahead with 15 guests and funerals will allow up to 30 guests only.