Hartlepool civic leaders and MP back road map out of lockdown and warn 'don't get complacent now'

MP Mike Hill said he was pleased Boris Johnson was following scientific advice for when it is safe to remove restrictions with the announcement of his four-step plan.

It will start with the reopening of schools on March 8 leading to the planned lifting of all restrictions by June 21.

Mr Hill said: “At long last the Prime Minister has taken a cautionary approach to bringing the country out of lockdown.

“All too often we have seen him ignoring the science for the sake of making what he thought were populist gestures, like relaxing the rules for Christmas, but in fact were decisions which fanned the flames of the virus.

“Now that the vaccination programme is going so well and people are beginning to have hope once again this stepped approach is vital.”

For businesses that are still some way off reopening he said the Chancellor should extend protection schemes in next week’s budget including the furlough scheme.

Mr Hill added: “Normal life has been put on hold for a year now and Boris knows that this must be the last national lockdown we should ever have to tolerate or put up with.

"The people have been patient and trusting, frightened and cajoled at times also, but at least finally we have been given an exit plan.”

However, leaders at Hartlepool Borough Council say it is vital people stick to the rules.

Director of Public Health Craig Blundred thanked people for their support in tackling the virus to date, but added: “Now is not the time to become complacent.”

Council leader Councillor Shane Moore said the Government’s announcement offers a return to normal life soon, but added: “However, ministers have made it clear that their blueprint is dependent upon a number of factors, including that infection rates do not lead to a surge in hospital admissions and the vaccination programme continues to go to plan and proves effective in reducing the number of hospitalisations and deaths.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support that has enabled us to reach this point, but we must all continue to follow the rules to ensure that there is no resurgence of the virus which could force the Government into a re-think.”

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