What Hartlepool residents think of plans for new local lockdown measures

Hartlepool Borough Council has written to the Government requesting local lockdown measures after recent big increases in cases.

New measures being asked for include people not allowed to mix socially inside or outdoors with people they do not live with unless in their support bubble; resources for additional police enforcement; rapid deployment of testing sites; additional resources to support vulnerable people and greater business support.

Peter Wilkinson, 20, a student at Hartlepool’s Northern School of Art, is in favour of the action.

He said: “Me and my friends go out semi regularly. If it’s good for the whole community then yes I support it.

"It will make it easier for everyone to reduce the spread.”

Kyra Bedding, 21, also at the college, added: “We’re students so it would be very hard to maintain [not mixing]. Some of us have partners so we wouldn’t be able to see them.”

Retired Ian MacDonald, 77, who lives in the town centre area, backed the action saying he is concerned at the increase in cases and a fall in social distancing.

He said: “The public should adapt as the situation evolves and trust that the information coming down is accurate.

"I think it’s beginning to filter through with the population the realisation that this is a highly infectious disease; far more than the flu.”

But he added: “I do think it’s unlikely they will stick to it.”

Lynda Ridley, 66, who has five grandchildren, said the new rules would make it harder for her to see some members of her family.

But she said: “Everyone is on their mobiles and tablets so what’s the problem?

"I’m in favour, very much so as it keeps everybody safe.”

Phil Elener, a 34-year-old quality assurance and quality control worker, said his chief concern is that he could still see his family who are in a support bubble.

He added: “I think everyone has tripped up with the rules along the way because they are not 100% clear sometimes.

"In terms of me and my family we are trying our best to tow the line.”

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