Today’s news that Ruddington will fall back under Tier 3 restrictions when the current ‘lockdown’ ends has not come as a great surprise to residents and traders. However, the Government’s decision to make revised Tier 3 measures even harsher for the hospitality sector has understandably caused dismay among our many village pub, restaurant and cafe owners.
From December 2nd they’ll find themselves remaining under the same restrictions as during the current COVID-19 ‘lockdown’, rather than being able to open again if they are serving substantial meals, as previously. So, in line with the rest of Nottinghamshire, unless they believe it’s viable to open for takeaways or deliveries only, some will remain closed for a further fortnight at least. That’s when the Government’s next review of local Coronavirus rules happens on December 16th.
However, Lesley Wells of The Old Bakehouse Tearoom on Church Street – who decided she’d have to to close back on the 29th October when the original Tier 3 restrictions were put in place – doesn’t now think she’ll open again this year. This is despite spending funds on an attractive refurbishment of her premises over the summer and then finding herself with little income:
“I don’t think it will make any difference now for hospitality” says Lesley. “This year is just written off!”
Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire, Jonathan Gribbin, says: “People across Nottinghamshire have achieved a reduction in (COVID-19 infection) rates over recent weeks and I welcome the move out of lockdown, and a set of arrangements from December 2nd which are clear and consistent. We will support our communities and businesses to adapt to the new rules.”
Many in the hospitality industry think it’s unfair to be singled out in this way, however, given that other, non-essential retail and personal care businesses can all reopen their doors next week. Occurring in the run-up to Christmas, usually the most lucrative time of the year for most retail businesses, some pub, restaurant and cafe owners are now wondering if they’ll even make it into 2021, thanks to the pandemic.
However, away from hospitality, other Ruddington retailers are welcoming being back in business again from December 2nd. These include non-essential shops, gyms and personal care services such as our now numerous village hair salons and barbers. One or two village shops will actually be opening for the first time this December, once the ‘lockdown’ is over, and we’ll bring you more news on those new arrivals soon, here at RUDDINGTON.info.
Although we are promised an official easement of the usual COVID-19 ‘social distancing’ rules for a few days, with ‘Christmas Bubbles’ covering a five day festive holiday period, and then there’s the hope of a return to some normality by Easter, that’s still some way off. Mr Gribbin adds: “It is important that we all follow the new rules and work together to slow the spread of the virus in our communities. There is good news about the rollout of vaccines but it’s going to be a while before whole populations are protected from the virus. In the meantime, our local health and care services continue to experience severe pressures.”
The Government poster of Tier 3 restrictions applicable from December 2nd 2020 is below:
(Details of the UK wide Government guidelines on what we can and can’t do in Tier 3 and the lower Tiers can be found >>HERE<<.)
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, says: “These new restrictions again call on all residents to play their part to do all they can to stop the transmission of the virus, with cases and deaths at the existing levels, it is vital you continue to follow these rules. We know this tiered system is still so tough for so many but it is designed to protect us all.”
He continues: “Business grants continue to be distributed to hundreds of eligible businesses across the Borough and more on support for owners can be found at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk. Please continue to stay safe and follow the rules so we can all look forward to a brighter 2021.”
With most village centre shops opening again on Wednesday December 2nd, many offering ‘late night opening’ on Fridays in December, and a very festive Village Market promised on The Green on Saturday December 5th, it’s hoped that at least some of our Ruddington retailers can benefit from a much needed pre-Christmas boost to round off this unprecedented year. You can read more >>HERE<<.
Nottingham City Transport‘s Navy 3 and Green 10 offer frequent and COVID-safe services to and from Ruddington for your #RuddyGoodDayOut. You can find out how our village buses are running over the holiday period >>HERE <<.
