Local lockdown: What people in Darlington had to say

Darlington, along with the rest of the Tees Valley, is set to move into tier two restrictions this week.

• Boris to announce new Covid rules for the North-East and North Yorkshire

• What Tier 2 lockdown restrictions will mean for Darlington and the Tees Valley

The news was confirmed this afternoon, with restrictions set to come into force on Wednesday. 

Under the new rules local people are banned from meeting anyone they do not live with in their own home or any indoor setting such as pubs or restaurants.

Up to six people will be able to meet outdoor, including public spaces such as parks, and private gardens.

People are also asked to follow social distancing rules while pubs and other venues have to shut at 10pm.  

Market trader Robin Blair, 75, of Sadberge, welcomed the prospect of stricter restrictions. He said: “ We have to get to the bottom of this and the only way is by restrictions.

“It’s a difficult one to say because it’s anyone’s guess what is going to get it right but we have to try."

He added: “It has affected business. Ever since the first lockdown the business hasn’t come back to the town centre. A lot of people still don’t have the confidence back about coming in.”

Mark Ford, 60, was visiting Darlington from York. He said: “I don’t think a lot of people are getting the message.

“In York where I’m from there have been large gathering of young people after they’re getting kicked out of the pubs.

“I support what the Government is doing.

“I know a lot of people think it’s a myth but it’s killing people and the evidence is there.

“My son is 21 and he’s had it and lost his job. The non-believers should have a chat with my son. The first 48 hours were pretty bad but he’s fine now.”

Paul and Jances Hardy, from Barnard Castle, said: “It’s been quite confusing. We need more details about what we can and can’t do. For us, its our grandchildren and how many single people we can see.

“We listened to what the medical team had to say and there has to be something done. I don’t know how they’re going to get them to do it. It’s education and universities where there seems to be a problem. Younger people seem to think that they can’t transmit diseases.

“There’s a complacency problem caused by the 10 o’clock throw out time.”

Josh Hamilton, who runs a stall at Darlington market, said: “I wish they would stick to one rule.

“As long as they try to keep the rules the same for everyone it should be ok."

Richard and Vicky Hurwood, from Scorton, who were shopping in Darlington, welcomed the prospect of further restrictions.

They said: "Because of our age we have to be careful so we come into shop in the afternoon. We haven’t been to any cafes or restaurants and we wouldn’t dream of going shopping on a Saturday."

Chloe Hauxwell, 21, said: “I think the pubs need to be closed down. I’m not really worried for me and my family. I don’t know anyone who has had it.

“It’s not very nice to have restrictions but it doesn’t bother me. If it’s going to make things better I don’t mind.

“It’s been really confusing for people. I don’t think lockdown should have been eased as much as it has. People my age have been going out to the pubs and that hasn’t helped.”

Linda Wood, who is the fortune teller on Darlington Market, said: “I think it should have been done a lot longer ago and it wouldn’t be as bad as it is now.”

Angela Smedley, who runs Angie’s Diner, said: “We trade safely in the open air. Being outdoor makes it safer and we have all done covid assessments. As long as retail doesn’t get closed down we should be able to work to some degree.

“I don’t know how the general public feel about it but I think people are nervous.

“Some people came out in July and August but people are terrified if they have underlying health conditions.”

One pub worker, who did not want to be named, said: “I think it’s going to be hard. If we go into tier 2 it will be hard for the pub trade. At the moment we’re surviving ok on the rule of six system.  But it’s still hard and at the weekend we’re not a capacity but we can live with it.

“If there are more restrictions it’s not going to be worth it in the long run. We could do it for a couple of weeks or a month but then we would have to recalculate and see where we are.”