‘I hope common sense prevails’ – Sheffield reacts to Tier 3 announcement

Under Tier 3, all non-essential shops will open as will hairdressers and gyms, but pubs and restaurants must remain closed and mixing of households will still be forbidden.

The whole of South Yorkshire was also placed into Tier 3, as was much of northern England, but North Yorkshire and Liverpool managed to buck the trend and were put in Tier 2.

Most shoppers on Fargate on Wednesday, while unsurprised by the announcement, were still disappointed that the city wasn’t able to look forward to a more normal Christmas.

Many, like Barry Pinder, felt for the businesses who would now not be able to trade as normal in the run up to what is usually the busiest time of the year.

Julie Marshall, from Owlthorpe, said she was ‘disgusted’ that Sheffield had been put back into Tier 3 while areas like London and Liverpool had not.

She said: “It doesn’t add up at all. I am hoping common sense prevails at some point otherwise I can see unrest happening.

“It is going to spoil our Christmas unless they change it on December 16. We go out to a restaurant so if it stays like this I will have to cook.”

But Kevin Dean, from Swallownest, said he didn’t think the announcement had made much difference.

He said: “I was hoping we would go to Tier 2 so pubs and restaurants could open as they can ensure safe distancing as can cinemas.

“But I did guess the restrictions were going to stay quite high and it looks like I’ll be on my own this Christmas.”

And Student, Abi Waring, from Cornwall, said she understood the reason for the decision, but still thought it was ‘a bit useless’, especially in the run-up to Christmas

She said: “We obviously want to be safe but we can’t even go to a restaurant with people from our own households.

“We want to enjoy ourselves and help the economy at the same time.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.