Hartlepool's council leader says he will tell Government to 'sod off' over moving into tier 3

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Hartlepool’s council leader has said he will tell the Government to ‘s*d off’ of there is any hint the town will be moved into the tier 3 level of Covid aler

Councillor Shane Moore posted a tweet in response to Health Secretary Matt Hancock telling the House of Commons “further discussions" were planned with Teesside and other areas of the North East later this week.

There have been rumours that would focus on moving the region from tier 2 restrictions – the high grading – into the very high tier 3 level of alert, which has seen businesses including pubs and gyms closed in certain areas.

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Hartlepool Borough Council leader Councillor Shane Moore tweeted to express his views on what he would say if the Government suggested a move into tier 3 restrictions.

Coun Moore, a Hartlepool Independent Union and represents the Headland and Harbour Ward, tweeted via his @srmooreuk account: “Apparently, it was announced in the House of Commons earlier that there were talks happening in relation to Hartlepool and wider TeesValley going into Tier 3.

"This is untrue.

"No talks with us since update on Friday & if anyone suggests it to me this week they'll be told to sod off.”

Mr Hancock told the House of Commons yesterday, Monday, October 19: “Following the successful introduction of measures in Liverpool and Lancashire, talks are continuing this afternoon led by (the Communities Secretary) with Greater Manchester, and this week further discussions are planned with South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, the North East and Teesside.”

He had also told the house there were “early signs” the restrictions in the North East are starting to work, before urging caution.

He told MPs: “The message to everybody in the North East is there are early signs this is starting to work but we’re not there yet.

“So let’s all stick with it, work together, support each other, support the NHS and absolutely we will bring in the economic support to ensure both we help businesses as much as possible, help employers and help individuals through this crisis and then the levelling up agenda after that is something that is vital to unite the whole country.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also shared a tweet last night saying: “After today’s statement, I spoke to Matt Hancock’s team and I was pleased that they confirmed what local leaders were told on Friday - that there are NO imminent plans to move our area to tier 3.”

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