Pendle News Room

But the Government has declared that casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres, and indoor play areas (including soft play areas) can reopen from Tuesday 8 September across Lancashire, including Pendle.

It also means that socially distanced indoor performances will be able to resume, and remaining restrictions for businesses, which provide certain close contact services including treatments on the face, such as eyebrow threading or make-up application, can reopen next Tuesday.

Responding to today’s Government announcement, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “We’re disappointed that current restrictions remain in place for residents but it’s fantastic to see that some businesses, which have been closed for months, can start to re-open next week.

“We know residents across the borough have made so many sacrifices but our priority has to be to get infection rates down so that we can keep our loved ones safe.

“We are moving in the right direction.

“The rate of infection and the percentage of people testing positive is slowly coming down but it’s still one of the highest in the country so it’s too early to make any changes.

“Thank you to everyone for your hard work but we need to keep it up!”

Councillor David Whipp, Deputy Leader of Pendle Council added: “Disappointment, with some delight, at today’s announcement from the Government. 

“I’m very disappointed that the national agencies haven’t agreed with the ‘step down’ approach put forward by Pendle. This would have seen restrictions relaxed across the borough with parts of Pendle being able to meet others in their homes and gardens. 

“Given what’s happened in Rossendale, it’s perhaps not a surprise that this hasn’t been agreed by the Health Secretary though. I think the message from on high is that we all need to continue to be careful and renew the wash hands, cover face, make space mantra. 

“I’m delighted that hard-pressed businesses will be able to reopen next week. We have pressed for this for some time now and this has been supported by local Public Health officials. This is at least a little bit of good news. 

“It’s clear we all need to continue to crack down on the virus and not let it jump from person to person.

“Lancashire’s Director of Public Health is clear that the single biggest thing that every single one of us can do is to continue to keep our distance from others, especially indoors. 

“Please, please, please, keep to the social distancing guidelines, continue the simple precautions and next week we might have better news on further easing of restrictions.”

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Nelson ward councillor, said: “It’s great news that more businesses can re-open but it’s important nobody lets down their guard and becomes complacent.

“It’s vital that we limit the spread of the virus by not visiting, or having visitors, from other households.

“I’m appealing to you all to follow the local measures so that we can move towards easing the restrictions more quickly.

“For a reminder of what you can and can’t do visit Pendle Council’s website – www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus”

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle’s MP, said: “Easing the restrictions so that even more businesses can re-open in Pendle is a great step forward but we must continue to do all we can to beat the virus.

“A big thank you to everyone who has been following the rules.

“COVID-19 is affecting all ages and all communities so everyone has a significant part to play to bring infection rates down.”

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal added: “In Pendle people do not have to have symptoms to get tested and we’re urging everyone to get a test.

“It’s really important that we identify who may not have symptoms but who have the virus so that they can take action to stop it spreading.”

There are a number of ways residents can get tested:

• Visit a mobile testing unit at the former fairground site, Carr Road, Nelson BB9 6DG or the car park next to the Station Hotel, Broadway, Nelson. Book a test by calling 119 or do it online - www.pendle,gov.uk/coronavirus
• Visit a community drop-in testing site outside Pendle Rise shopping centre, Nelson, between 10am and 3pm. No appointment needed
• Request a home testing kit by calling 119 or do it online - www.pendle,gov.uk/coronavirus

A new payment scheme has been launched for residents who test positive or have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive and need to self-isolate.

Those eligible for a self-isolation payment will be on a low income and will lose earnings because they can’t work from home.

Applicants must receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits, to be eligible for a payment of up to £130 for the 10-day self-isolation period.

Other members of their household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, are entitled to a payment of £182.

Applicants can apply on Pendle Council’s website - www.pendle.gov.uk/selfisolationscheme