Nidderdale left frustrated and disappointed as region is placed in Tier 2 despite low number of Covid cases

This is what Tier 2 restrictions will mean for Harrogate after national lockdown lifts

Tim Ledbetter, Chair of the Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said he was unable to see the logic behind the announcement.

Mr Ledbetter said: “We are very disappointed that the area has moved from tier 1 into tier 2 after today’s announcement.

“While we recognise that pressure will be on the NHS this winter, this decision sends mixed messages to our residents because we are very fortunate that Covid-19 numbers have not been large in the area.”

The Nidderdale Chamber of Trade is concerned that anxiety and other mental health issues will reach dangerous levels in tier 2, due to many residents remaining isolated in rural communities.

This interactive map shows the tier levels for every area of England

In the latest figures released by health officials at North Yorkshire County Council, Pateley Bridge and Nidd Valley showed zero fresh cases of coronavirus in the seven days up to November 20, compared to 23 cases in Central Harrogate.

Differences between the tiers include limits on where households can meet up, meaning Nidderdale residents must obey the rule of six outdoors and avoid all indoor household mixing.

Care home visits are allowed in tier 2 if there are arrangements such as screens, pods and window visits put in place.

While Mr Ledbetter commended the announcement that non-essential shops can operate, he believes the atmosphere will be harmed due to visitors from tier 3 areas such as the North East being unable to travel and support businesses during their limited Christmas trading time.

Mr Ledbetter added: “There seems to be so many anomalies, such as people being allowed to visit pubs but having to eat a substantial meal to go with it. It is very difficult for businesses to operate this way.

Relief as Knaresborough avoids Tier 3 as town looks to better fortunes in 2021

“It makes no sense that thousands of people can go to a show, but a handful of people cannot visit a church for service even if safe distance is catered for.

“For me, the facts don’t condone us being a tier 2 area and the relaxing of restrictions over Christmas is a huge contradiction. It is not logical.”

The majority of England will be in the two toughest levels of measures when the national lockdown ends next week.

With most of the country sitting alongside Nidderdale in tier 2, 21 local authority areas including Sheffield and Leeds will enter tier three, the highest level.

Can I still visit my relatives and do my Christmas shopping in Tier 3 Leeds if I'm in Harrogate?

The first review of the tier allocations will take place on December 16, with the potential for areas to move down a tier before Christmas if they are making progress in slowing the spread of the virus.