Councillor Pandor has thanked all Kirklees political leaders, including MPs, for holding positive discussions on the topic this week and for sharing their insights and opinion.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I’ve had really useful and positive discussions with all Kirklees’ political leaders, including all MPs, this week. I’d really like to thank all of them for their insight and opinions on how we move forward and I’m hopeful we can continue to work together for the people of Kirklees.
“My position is clear; these restrictions are confusing and are not working. We can bring our rates down without them in place. We understand our communities and we will continue with the great work we’re doing on the ground to target areas in Kirklees with higher rates, making sure people have all the information and support they need to stay safe and prevent infection.
“The current restrictions are keeping us from visiting our friends and families in a safe way. How is it right that you can go to a pub or restaurant that is full of people you don’t know, but you cannot visit a relative in their garden?
“I’m urging the Government to also think about the many businesses in Kirklees that still can’t open, such as soft play areas or our beauticians and salons who still can’t offer close contact treatments. Customers are simply taking their business to other boroughs. Our businesses are being held back and deprived of the same opportunity the rest of the country is getting to bounce back from what has been a crippling economic period.
“My message to the Government is to lift these restrictions for the whole of Kirklees and put your faith in us as a borough to continue with the work we’re doing to keep people safe and bring our infection rates down.”