Calderdale leader speaks on restrictions being localised to parts of the borough

Calder Valley’s Conservative MP Craig Whittaker said on social media that he was pushing for restrictions to be lifted in his constituency.

On Twitter Mr Whittaker said that this was because, at the time of his tweet, only two wards in the Calder Valley constituency – which makes up part of Calderdale – Todmorden and Elland, had small numbers of cases and the rest had zero.

Some of Mr Whittaker’s Parliamentary party colleagues had expressed similar opinions in their areas which were also made subject to local restrictions announced late on the night of Thursday, July 30, to come into effect immediately on July 31.

But Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said the position was unlikely to change and would apply as long as Calderdale was subject to localised restrictions.

“The new local restrictions which came into effect from July 31 apply to the whole of Calderdale, and will continue to do so for as long as they are in place.

“This is line with the national legislation and the position across the country – it’s not possible for the restrictions to be more localised than at local authority level.

“We continue to work throughout the entire borough to help reduce the COVID-19 infection rate, and our message to everyone is to remain cautious and follow the guidance, so that we’re all playing our part to protect each other and avoid a much stricter local lockdown.

“From our local data, we know where we’re experiencing the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Calderdale, such as in particular areas and higher-risk workplaces and jobs, and we continue to target our action, advice, communication and engagement where they’re needed most,” he said.