Fears of 'further devastation' to Hartlepool businesses after town moved into Tier 4 - but 'end is in sight'

The town and whole North East are under more severe restrictions from Thursday, December 31, with the return of the stay-at-home message and hairdressers, gyms and non-essential shops forced to close again.

It is in response to a recent surge in Covid-19 cases believed to be caused by a new faster-spreading variant.

Hartlepool Council Leader Councillor Shane Moore said he feared for the impact on businesses.

He said: “Whilst I do appreciate this move into Tier 4 could potentially bring numbers down faster, as the leader of the council I am also expected to look at the wider implications and I believe moving into Tier 4 will bring further devastation to our local economy and put more people in Hartlepool out of work.”

Cllr Moore said Hartlepool’s rates were not increasing at the same pace as in the south of England and believed a national approach would have been fairer.

“Put simply, this is a problem for the whole country which requires an urgent and fair national solution,” he said.

The restrictions are typically reviewed every fortnight by the Government.

Hartlepool’s director of public health Craig Blundred said the announcement was ‘hugely disappointing’ for residents and businesses after their efforts to contain the virus.

He added it was vital people book a test immediately if they have symptoms.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill said the government is not providing any extra funding for businesses related to the Tier 4 move saying: “I understand the need for serious restrictions to get a grip on the public health emergency, but this cannot come at the cost of people’s livelihoods.

“I have written again to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock and to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to request that they urgently look at funding for regions like ours and to request that changes are made to ensure the survival of every business in the North East."

Janice Auton, owner of Poppys Hairdressing and a member of independents’ business network Totally Locally Hartlepool, said she had been busier than normal believing clients were expecting the Tier 4 move.

She said: “I’ve been watching closely the numbers going up, especially in Hartlepool.

"I think we have to stay safe and if this is the way then I agree with it. I think the vaccines, and the new Oxford one, are good news.”

But Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensees Association, was frustrated and more concerned, saying: “How come a country like China where the virus is supposed to have come from has managed to control the situation, but after nine months we are back to square one?

"The small grants given to some businesses isn’t enough to get people through.

"A lot of jobs and livelihoods depend on hand outs. The only hope that we have got is vaccination but we need answers from ministers when we are going to get it.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said he understood people’s frustration, especially business owners, but added: “While we have a way to go, it’s clear with two vaccines now approved the end really is in sight.”

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