Trafford is set to be released from local lockdown measures across the rest of Greater Manchester despite it not being recommended for release by Greater Manchester’s leaders.
Mayor Andy Burnham wrote to the Health Secretary on Wednesday recommending that restrictions could be relaxed in Bolton and Stockport but not in the other seven boroughs.
Trafford Council leader Andrew Western tweeted
“Nobody has bothered to discuss gov decision with me – accept a finely balanced decision and we will continue work with residents and businesses over next few weeks to keep people safe
He claims that the decision was made to placate local Tory MP’s
The Labour Group on the Council have released the following statement
“It was our view – in line with the expert advice from the Council’s Director of Public Health – that we should see evidence of a sustained reduction in Trafford’s infection numbers before calling for the lifting of local restrictions. This is not yet the case, with the last few days showing a slight increase in infection rates again.
We understand some will consider this to have been an overly cautious approach, but it has been one made with the safety of Trafford residents in mind. Whilst we have supported calls for those businesses not yet allowed to open – beauticians, ice rinks, bowling alleys and soft play centres – we believe it is slightly premature to lift restrictions relating to households at this time.
