Covid-19

East Midlands Chamber survey shows region’s economic recovery is “treading water” – but businesses are confident about future

The economic recovery has stalled in the East Midlands as tightening Covid-19 restrictions took their toll on businesses, according to new research published today.

An East Midlands Chamber study found cashflow and advanced orders were significantly affected for many firms during the final quarter of 2020 as the second national lockdown in November – straddled by the most severe tiered coronavirus restrictions imposed on the region and the uncertainty leading to the end of the Brexit transition period – undermined resilience to future shocks and the ability to respond to new opportunities.

However, the Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020 showed signs of light at the end of the tunnel as a net 16% of businesses in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire said they expected to create jobs in the three months following the study, which was conducted in November – while there were also positive indicators for turnover, profitability and investment intentions.

The restrained confidence for the prospects of 2021 was reflected in the Chamber’s State of the Economy Index, which aggregates the survey data to provide an overall “health score”, as it flatlined following the rebound of Q3.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Future pricing intentions started to creep up as increases in raw material costs – along with access difficulties – began to impact on manufacturers. Advanced orders and bookings were down for many as the national lockdown in November caused some to pause their plans and a general sentiment of ‘wait and see’ started to pervade the conversations of some.

“In conversations with businesses, many spoke of a ‘weariness’ and ‘fatigue’ at navigating themselves and their staff through the difficulties of the past 10 months.

“However, there was still an undercurrent of tentative optimism for the coming year, as reflected in the confidence indicators for future turnover and profitability, perhaps acknowledging that the current predicament can’t last forever.

“The economy, as a whole, hasn’t slipped back to the place it was in during May and June, nor has it continued its rebound from that position. Instead, it can best be described as ‘treading water, waiting to see whether the final days of a year that asked more questions than anyone would have anticipated finally delivered some answers.”

Key findings of East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020

Some 476 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020.

A third of these were from a manufacturing background, while 200 exporters were represented within the cohort.

Key findings from the survey, conducted between 2 and 23 November, showed:

• Sales decreased for a net 9% of businesses involved in the UK market and net 17% of firms in the overseas market in the three months leading to the survey
• Advanced orders for the three months following the study were down for a net 14% of companies in the UK market and net 21% of those with international operations
• Cashflow worsened for a net 15% of companies. This was the fourth consecutive quarter in which this indicator fell into negative territory
• Investment intentions were in positive territory, with spending plans revised upwards for a net 2% when it comes to buying new plant, machinery or equipment, and a net 10% for training
• A net 6% decreased their workforce during Q4 but a net 16% expected headcount to increase over the first three months of Q1 2021
• Business confidence levels remained stable after a deep fall over the summer. A net 35% of firms expected turnover to improve in Q1 2021 and a net 20% predicted a rise in profitability

What policymakers must do in 2021 to help businesses

The Chamber models the survey data across a range of key performance indicators, including sales and orders, recruitment, cashflow, investment intentions and confidence, to produce a quarterly State of the Economy Index, which enables it to compare local business performance quarter-by-quarter.

In Q2, the score fell to -411, its lowest level on record and the first time it’s fallen into negative territory. It was back into positive territory for Q3 – but only just at +17 – and there was only a three-point increase to +20 in Q4.

This means it remains the third lowest score on record and 221 points lower than the pre-Covid survey for Q1 2020.

Chris added: “It’s clear that 2020 was unprecedented, unpredictable and created amazing levels of uncertainty. Much of what has gone on has been out of businesses’ ability to control. However, under those circumstances, with one hand tied behind their backs, they have worked to manage those factors that they can control, looking for internal efficiencies, improvements in quality and new opportunities.

“As we move into 2021, policymakers must do likewise. It is in their gift to control the nation’s capacity for testing, the speed at which a vaccine is rolled out and the availability and reading of data on how the pandemic is progressing.

“They can also control the levels of business support provided, the rules as to how it’s accessed, and the measures that exist to allow businesses to reopen and make money without Government support.

“It is essential that we get this right for 2021, particularly as we begin the year in the worst possible manner with the prospect of at least two months of national lockdown.

“Despite all the challenges of the past year, the vast majority of businesses have made it through – with some even finding opportunities to excel. If the first half of 2021 follows a similar pattern to the past six months, then more of those currently treading water may sadly slip under.”

 

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“We go into 2021 with hope” – Peter Swallow – January 2021

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow has outlined his hopes and aspirations for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as we enter the new year…

Following what has been a very difficult year for everyone, we go into 2021 with hope, in the knowledge that a vaccine will soon hopefully eradicate Coronavirus, there is an undercurrent of excitement and energy going into the New Year.

With light at the end of the tunnel, we can now not only look forwards but also back at what has been achieved, despite the pandemic.

While we may have felt that 2020 was a year in limbo, now that we have time to reflect, we can see that the town made significant progress in the face of adversity enabling us to go into 2021 with a firm foundation for growth.

Pre Covid our strong and proud Shop Local message came to the fore during lockdown. As our high street closed, we opened our laptops and phones and shopped locally virtually with help from Destination Chesterfield and the local media. They sprang into action and brought attention to the myriad of independent retailers and market traders to ensure we gave them our business.

The very real experience of the high street closing I believe, has made us value it even more. We have missed the opportunity of being able to ‘pop’ into town and meet up with friends or simply bump into them while out on errands.

It is the strong community spirit that exists in Chesterfield that makes us resilient as a town and able to face the catastrophic effects of a pandemic head on. I am proud that we didn’t bunker down and ride out the storm- we chose to fight it head on instead. This resilience has enabled us to identify opportunities which have emerged during the pandemic; one of these being the growth in demand for quality office space, a fact which is acknowledged by virtually all commercial property advisors and consultants.

Experts agree that working from home is not a long-term option for a number of reasons. I know that I am fed up with it! Instead, they predict that we will combine home and office working.

Rather than having a single large office, large companies will want to spread risk and look to regional markets like Chesterfield in which to establish satellite offices.

Chesterfield could not be better positioned to capitalise on this opportunity in 2021. Three new office developments will open – the Enterprise Centre at Northern Gateway, No.1 Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside and Glass Yard on Sheffield Road.

The offices will of course benefit the town centre as office workers will create critical footfall in local shops, stores and market stalls.

It is this forward thinking, resilience and community spirit that will ensure Chesterfield thrives in the face of a global recession, just as it did 10 years ago when the council established Destination Chesterfield. If history repeats itself then we have much to look forward to in 2021 and beyond.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

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Fabric hearts keep patients and families connected at Ashgate Hospicecare

Ashgate Hospicecare has introduced fabric hearts to help keep families connected during the Coronaviurs pandemic.

The hand sewn hearts are made in matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member. The charity is hoping that this will provide comfort to those who are unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness during a time when so many are apart.

Arlene Honeyman, Head of Supportive Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This has been a really difficult year for so many of us. This is especially true for our patients and their families who are hoping to create precious memories in the time they have left together.

“The hearts are a beautiful way to let someone know that your heart is missing theirs. Sometimes the only safe connection is by a video call, if both hearts are shown then this is a compassionate and powerful visual way to connect and remind the other person that you are sending them your love and that you remain connected.”

The hand sewn hearts were donated by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, a volunteer group in the Dronfield area founded and led by Shelagh Cheetham, 63, who is a retired teacher. Her now 200-strong volunteer group has also made and donated more than 66,000 face masks to key workers and frontline staff in the local community, as well as across the UK since March of 2020.

With the demand for masks reducing, the group was determined to continue providing support in the local community and Shelagh knew exactly where they could start.

Shelagh said: “I’ve been a firm supporter of Ashgate since my father-in-law was cared for at the hospice 12-years ago. I am honoured to be able to give something back to such an amazing organisation and to know that I am helping people during the darkest times of their lives.”

“Needing the support of the hospice can be such a difficult time in a person’s life, as they learn to live with an uncertain future. It can be hard for the family to visit their loved ones and then go home each day without them. The hearts are something they can carry with them, even after their loved one has died and know that someone cares.

“This is something both me and my volunteers are very passionate about.”

The group is now working towards building a charity that helps combat loneliness and isolation in the local community through the medium of crafting and creativity.

The fabric hearts will also be available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Julia Hewerdine, Manager of the Donation Centre at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “In the present climate, it can be very difficult accepting a donation from a bereaved customer. It’s human nature to want to hug a person who is sometimes crying or showing raw emotion.

“You must try and console them with words and that doesn’t always feel enough. It can be heart-breaking to be stood in front of someone who is emotional and not be able to reach out to offer that support.

“The hearts will allow us to spread kindness and provide us with a new way to offer comfort in these difficult times. It is something that they can take away with them as a reminder that they are not alone.”

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

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East Midlands Chamber responds to national lockdown announcement

East Midlands Chamber is welcoming One-off £9,000 business grants, but says firms need the inside track to the Government’s plan for coming out of the newly-announced national lockdown.

Responding to the Government’s announcement of a third national lockdown for England, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After a desperate 2020 for businesses and communities, a third national lockdown is another devastating blow to business confidence as it follows hard on the heels of lost trade during the festive season – not to mention the uncertainty that prevailed up until the eleventh hour of the Brexit transition period.

“The Government’s need to act in the face of spiralling threat to public health is obviously understood but after already spending billions on helping good firms to survive this crisis and save jobs, it must not let these companies fail now when the vaccine rollout provides light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.

“The Chancellor’s announcement today of a one-off £9,000 grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will hopefully help keep their heads above water for a couple more months, but Westminster must remember financial support – while certainly welcomed and required – is no substitute for a fully open economy that allows businesses to generate their own revenue.

“It’s now time for the Government to open the lines of communication with businesses by sharing its plan for how the brakes will be lifted on the economy over the coming months to allow businesses to plan properly.”

For more information on guidance and business support available during the current lockdown, visit our Covid-19 support page here.

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Chamber chief executive writes to Prime Minister demanding greater clarity for businesses in lockdown decisions

The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber has written to Boris Johnson urging the Government to provide greater clarity to businesses over lockdown restrictions.

Scott Knowles told the Prime Minister yesterday (1 December) about the “dissatisfaction” felt by the private sector in the region regarding plans to place Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire into Tier 3 measures.

He said the East Midlands has been impacted by restrictions longer than anywhere else in the country, with Leicester and parts of Leicestershire the first area to be placed under local lockdown at the end of June, and reminded Mr Johnson of the five tests requested by the chamber of commerce – which represents 4,250 members across the three counties – by which to assess decisions taken.

Commenting on the new tiered approach to restrictions in the letter, Scott said: “I understand the difficult discussions involved in this and the numerous factors that have to be taken into consideration.

“However, I wanted to express our dissatisfaction at the outcome for the majority of the East Midlands and ask for greater clarity over the basis on which decisions were taken, future plans for ending these restrictions and greater support for those businesses impacted.”

Five tests for continued coronavirus restrictions on business activity in the East Midlands

The five tests set out in June, when the Leicester lockdown came into effect, were:

1) Any decisions around closures must be based on evidence that can be shared with those affected and taken on as local a basis as possible

2) Businesses must be given enough time to make the practical preparations needed for closing and reopening

3) An exit strategy, including triggers for changes, must be made available to businesses to support them in their planning and decision-making

4) Businesses adversely impacted must be given additional grant support to compensate them for costs associated with being shut, losing trade and investment into making themselves Covid-secure

5) During closures, steps must be taken locally to reduce the risk of further disruption, including improvements made to testing and tracing

Scott added that clear, timely and consistent communication was vital in underpinning these tests.

While businesses accept the country was still learning about the nature of coronavirus in the spring and early summer, he believes there are no longer any reasons why the tests shouldn’t be met nine months on and asked for feedback from Government on decisions taken that affect the East Midlands.

“To be clear, this is not intended to be a petulant request,” he added. “Working with our members, we see the on-the-ground impact that restrictions are having in terms of business failure, livelihoods destroyed and jobs lost, along with the negative social and health fallout of this – which promises to have a longer-lasting and greater deleterious impact than the virus itself – and believe that our businesses and the communities they serve deserve better.”

The Chamber has also offered to work closer with the Government to ensure communication to and from businesses in the region works better than it has to date.

With recognition the pandemic will continue to impact lives for months to come, Scott added: “A strong, growing private sector will be central to securing our recovery and ultimate success. There is no alternative that anything other than a fully open and functioning economy will right the recovery of the region.

“Right now, businesses require more focused and enhanced support, both financial and to support in planning, in order to ensure as many as possible are fit for growth in 2021 and beyond. Meeting our tests will help ensure this happens.”

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National lockdown – changes to council services in Chesterfield

A second national lockdown has been announced by Government in response to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.

This will take effect from Thursday 5 November and is due to end on Wednesday 2 December.

Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to doing all it can to keep essential services running for local people. But the safety of customers and staff must come first, and changes to some services will take effect from Thursday 5 November.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone, but I want to reassure residents and business owners in Chesterfield borough that we will do all we can to support them over the coming weeks.

“Infection rates in Chesterfield continue to rise and we must take action. We urge everyone to follow the Government’s guidance to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

“We have reviewed the impact of the Government’s latest guidance on our services – public safety must be our top priority, but we will do all we can to keep the council’s essential services running for local people.

“We are a resilient borough with a strong sense of community which has absolutely shone through during these last seven months, and we will continue to work together to get through these difficult times.”

The key changes are summarised below – for the latest information visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk or follow the council’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

People must adhere to the new lockdown restrictions at all times, including:

  • Do not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household – meaning the people you live with – or support bubble
  • You should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people, ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble
  • Remember the Hands. Face. Space rule – follow social distancing, wear a face covering where required (unless exempt) and wash hands regularly

Customer services arrangements

People are asked to contact the council online or by phone wherever possible to avoid unnecessary travel and face-to-face contact:

  • Via the council’s website – www.chesterfield.gov.uk
  • Via the new My Chesterfield online hub – visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/mychesterfield to set up an account and manage a range of council services online. Signing up to My Chesterfield will allow you to:
    – Securely manage Council Tax bills and payments, and sign up for e-billing and direct debits
    – View bin collection days
    – Report an issue, such as noise nuisance
    – See information about your local councillor
    – Change your address details
    – Report something that needs cleaning up on a street, road or park
  • By telephone – (01246) 345345

To reduce face-to-face contact, the Customer Service Centre at New Square will be closed from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Leisure

Healthy Living Centre, Staveley

This will close from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. For membership enquiries please email: hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

Queen’s Park Sports Centre

This will close from Thursday 5 November for all sporting activity. For membership enquiries please email: qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

The building will remain open for anyone with a midwifery appointment at the centre and Chesterfield College will continue to access the centre for education purposes.

For both centres, memberships and activity pre-payments will be frozen or carried over for the period of the temporary closure – customers are being contacted directly with more information.

Parks and playgrounds

Parks and playgrounds will remain open to allow people to enjoy outdoor exercise, in line with Government guidance.

You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or one person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).

Allotments

Chesterfield Borough Council’s allotment sites will remain open for use, in line with Government guidance.

Town Hall

The Town Hall reception will remain open but people are strongly encouraged to contact the council online (www.chesterfield.gov.uk) or by phone (01246) 345345, to reduce face-to-face contact and unnecessary travel.

Services within the Town Hall

Chesterfield Coroner’s Court

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Register Office

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Chesterfield Crematorium

Attendance at funeral services is still limited to a maximum of 30 people and to family and household members only. Those attending services are asked to wear a face covering when inside the crematorium chapel (unless exempt).

For families who would wish for absent family members and friends to be part of the funeral services, a free webcasting service can be arranged through your funeral director.

It is recognised that many people visit the Crematorium to view the book of remembrance and find comfort in doing so. The council would respectfully ask that you do not visit the Crematorium at this time. Those who wish to do so can still view the book online: www.chesterfield.bookofremembrance.uk/view-books

Venues

Pomegranate Theatre / The Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield Borough Council venues will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Customers who have bought tickets for any show which falls within this time frame will be contacted by a member of the team. Details of rescheduled and cancelled shows can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/event-updates

If you have an enquiry, please email box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk. There will be a limited telephone service on (01246) 345222

*Please note that the NHS Blood Donation sessions scheduled at The Winding Wheel Theatre will go ahead, in line with Covid-19 safe procedures.

Visitor Information Centre

The Visitor Information Centre will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. If you have an enquiry, please email tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Museum / Revolution House

The venues are closed and will remain closed to the public for the four-week lockdown period. A decision has not yet been made on when the venues will reopen to the public.

Chesterfield Museum has a phone service available during office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – call (01246) 345727.

Chesterfield Market Hall / Pavements Shopping Centre and outdoor Market

These will remain open for essential retail only, in line with Government guidance.

The Market Hall Café will be closed from Thursday 5 November, for the four-week lockdown period.

Public toilets in the Market Hall and Pavements Shopping Centre will remain open for use – operating to Covid-19 safety standards.

Find out more about changes to some of our local businesses on our Shopping During Lockdown page

Other local venues

The council will keep its community venues (Hasland Village Hall and the Market Hall Assembly Rooms) open for exclusive use by health and wellbeing support groups who currently use them, to provide a service for residents in line with Government guidance.

Council car parks

For now, council car parks in Chesterfield will remain open and usual parking charges will apply.

Drivers have the option of cashless parking in a number of town centre car parks and can pay on their phones through the PayByPhone app. More information is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk

For further information on how you can save money by pre-purchasing weekly, monthly or annual parking permits, please visit the council’s website www.chesterfield.gov.uk.
Parking savers can also be purchased through the PayByPhone app. The code to access the parking savers on the app is ‘804576’.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Waste and recycling

Waste and recycling collection services will run as normal.

Housing repairs

The Council is working to maintain housing repair services where it is safe and appropriate to do so. It will contact council tenants if there are changes that they need to be aware of.

Support services

Business support

The council is still awaiting Government guidance on the business support schemes that will operate through the period of the four-week lockdown. The council anticipates receiving an allocation of funding to enable it to give grants of up to £3,000 (with the amounts per business linked to rateable value) per business where they are required to close for the period from 5 November to 2 December.

With Chesterfield borough moving from a Tier 1 area to a Tier 2 area (high Covid alert level) on 17 October, the council will also receive an allocation of funding to support businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors that suffered from reduced demand from 17 October to 4 November.

Finally, the council will receive a share of Government’s recently announced £1.1 billion Additional Restrictions Grant. The amount of funding the council will receive is still to be confirmed. This is a discretionary grant scheme for local authorities to decide how best to use it to support local businesses.

The council will share more details on the above schemes when it has received further Government guidance and knows exactly how much funding it has to allocate. The funding will be used to support eligible local businesses affected both immediately prior to and during the period of the four-week lockdown.

Find out more about the support available to local businesses here 

Careline

The Careline service is unaffected.

Homelessness support

Rough sleepers are vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 due to their inability to self-isolate and comply with social distancing guidelines and therefore the council is encouraging anyone who may need help to get in touch as soon as possible.

Anyone who needs support is encouraged to contact the homelessness prevention team on 07870 277291 (calls only, not text messages) or homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk

More information is available on our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/homeslessness

Community support information

For more information about local community support organisations and projects please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-support-information

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Destination Chesterfield celebrates 10 years with message of positivity for the town

Chesterfield could be set to repeat history and, once again, come out of a global recession stronger.

This month 10 years ago, amidst a global financial crisis, a marketing campaign was established to promote Chesterfield to potential investors. Since its launch, it has supported Chesterfield Borough Council and its Economic Growth team in securing more than £1bn of investment into the borough.

To mark the anniversary, Destination Chesterfield was celebrated recently in a special online breakfast event, hosted by Virtual World Studios, virtually attended by more than 40 people.

At the event, future marketing plans were unveiled detailing how the town, as a whole, can come back stronger from the Coronavirus pandemic.

At the event it was revealed that community, distinctiveness, sustainability and growth will be core to Destination Chesterfield’s marketing campaigns for the town. Two brand new campaigns – Sustainable Chesterfield and Experience Chesterfield, will also join long-running, successful projects and events, including Made in Chesterfield and Celebrate Chesterfield.

Peter Swallow, who was appointed Chair of Destination Chesterfield when it was established in 2010 said: “I am confident Chesterfield can come back stronger from this pandemic. Ten years ago we were in a recession and Chesterfield Borough Council took the bold move of establishing Destination Chesterfield – sending out the message that the town was ready and open for business.

“Now we have more than £1bn of developments and more on the horizon, including HS2 which is already attracting investors to the town putting us in a strong position coming out of the pandemic.”

Since the Destination Chesterfield campaign was launched, declaring Chesterfield open and ready to do business, the town has attracted more than £1bn of investment, with the borough now home to some of the UK’s largest and exciting regeneration, industrial and leisure schemes at PEAK, Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The past few months have been incredibly difficult for many of our local businesses. Rebuilding the local economy is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and together with Destination Chesterfield, we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times. By working together, we can ensure that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.

“Over the past 10 years, Destination Chesterfield have really helped us to reinvigorate the town. We’re look forward to continuing to work closely with the team at Destination Chesterfield as we look to build on the strong relationship that we’ve had for the past decade, one that will put us in a strong position to keep moving the borough forward.”

Destination Chesterfield has also created a supportive network of businesses, education providers and charities, known as Chesterfield Champions, who are all united in their desire for Chesterfield to thrive. The Champions network remains crucial to Destination Chesterfield’s future plans.

Peter added: “The Chesterfield Champions are intrinsic to the success of Destination Chesterfield. Their support and active involvement makes Destination Chesterfield happen and allows us to push forward the marketing of the town, as well as offer business support though during good and tough times. The facts really do speak for themselves. Together we make a difference.”

If your organisation would like to become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk or get in touch on 01246 207 207.

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Chesterfield residents must follow stricter local rules from Saturday

Residents in Chesterfield are being urged to follow stricter rules coming into force from Saturday 17 October, in a bid to slow the rise in coronavirus cases.

Speaking in the Commons today, Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP, announced that Chesterfield – along with North East Derbyshire and Erewash – will be put into Tier 2 of the government’s Covid alert system – and will be placed on ‘high’ alert from 12.01am on Saturday.

It follows a review of the local situation by Government, in liaison with the Chesterfield Borough Council and neighbouring North East Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire County Council and local MPs.

As well as following the continued guidance to wash hands, stay apart and wear a face covering it means:

  • Different households or support bubbles should not mix indoors – at home, someone else’s home, pubs, restaurants, hotels or other hospitality venues, leisure venues or shops
  • When outdoors people should stick to the rule of six, including children.
  • If going on holiday, this should only be with the people they live with or that are in their support bubble
  • Family and friends can provide informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble – the bubble is limited to two households only so that informal childcare is provided by the same carers each time
  • Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
    All businesses, leisure facilities and other places which are allowed to open by law can remain open providing they meet Covid-19 secure guidance
  • Pubs, bars restaurants and other hospitality venues close at 10pm – drive-through services, click and collect and delivery services can continue after 10pm
  • You can take part in sport and physical activity outdoors but organised indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it’s possible to avoid mixing with people you don’t live with or share a support bubble with – there are exceptions for children and people with a disability

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.

“We understand that this is a concerning time for our residents, and our business community. But local infection rates are too high and are rising so it is critical that we act now to help stop the spread.

“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I urge everyone in Chesterfield to make sure they are familiar with the new restrictions, check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”

Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace, who is leading the county’s response to the outbreak, urged people to follow the tighter ‘lockdown’ rules.

“We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning, although not surprising given Chesterfield and North East are so close to Sheffield, and Erewash borders Nottinghamshire, which are all currently on ‘high’ alert and under extra restrictions. It’s more important than ever that we all work together to beat this.

“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.

“I realise that these extra restrictions for these areas will be frustrating but they are also necessary as we’re seeing a lot of community transmission.

“I cannot emphasise enough that from Saturday people from different households should not be mixing indoors, unless it is with people who are in their ‘bubble’ and they should stick to the ‘rule of 6’ when outside.

“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.”

For more information about local restrictions please visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

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