themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Christmas plans slammed as 'insane' as pubs and restaurants stay shut in Tier 3

Greater Manchester 's pubs and restaurants are to remain shut down for the rest of year , with the region staying under Tier 3 restrictions .
Operators who were hoping and planning for a drop in tiers are now facing wasted stock and a scramble to contact customers who had made bookings for the festive period .
Others - including Chorlton 's Chapati Cafe - had taken control even ahead of Matt Hancock 's statement and decided not to reopen at such short notice , even if the Government allowed them to .
Despite the region 's hospitality venues remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to meet one another over the Christmas period .
Over five days , restrictions will be relaxed enough that three households will be able to gather to celebrate Christmas .
It 's an 'insane ' idea , according to one local business-owner , and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has described it as a 'clear mistake ' .
Chris Herbert is co-founder of The Hive in Stretford , which has 'never known normal ' after launching just two days before the first lockdown in March .
The restaurant and bar is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest infection rates in Greater Manchester and is now far below England 's average , at 109.5 cases per 100,000 people .
He was expecting the borough to move into Tier 2 , and was preparing to reopen this weekend .
He said : `` We 've spent money on it , done all our rotas , taken bookings and deposits , ordered food , and it 's all wasted .
It 's just disheartening .
`` We 've just got to hope that our takeaway service can prevent waste , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of what our normal revenue is .
It 's just not viable .
`` We try to put a positive spin on everything but if this goes on much longer , we 're done . ''
Chris and his business partners had planned to open a second site in 2021 - now he says they 're barely holding on to their first .
`` We 'd forecast to take between £30,000 and £40,000 over Christmas , '' he added , `` And now we 're left with £2,000 a month from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides .
`` If the Government do n't increase their grants a lot of businesses are done for .
`` How is it safe for people to meet up at home when we 're here with a space that 's as Covid-safe as possible that had to stay closed ?
It 's absolutely crazy .
It 's insane .
`` I think there 'll be another spike , another national lockdown . ''
Fiona Botham , who runs Ramsbottom restaurants Levanter and Baratxuri with husband Joe , said it did n't come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'sacrificed ' for the Government 's Christmas plans .
She said : `` There was never going to be tier movement once they realised what a monumental c***-up the five day Christmas rover ticket was turning out to be - a wild gesture made too far in advance by a PM wanting to be the Christmas hero rather than wait for the data and act more cautiously and appropriately . ''
She added : `` Under Tier 2 we ’ d have safely welcomed single households inside , people who live together anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for much longer than a couple of hours , possibly overnight or for days , and once again the overall winners will be the supermarkets . ''
Andy Burnham said on BBC News this morning : `` It 's clear a mistake has been made over Christmas and I did say it at the time , that it was allowing too much .
`` And my worry is that they 're about to overcompensate with their decisions on the tiers . ''
Adam Jones , founder of Tattu Restaurants , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain closed was 'wholly inadequate ' , with the restaurant group 's cost of closures now topping £700,000 .
He said : `` If we must remain closed in the interest of public health , businesses that can not operate within the current restrictions need to see proportionate support .
Venues have made 'huge investment ' to become Covid compliant , he added - and now face having to repay loans from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme ( CIBLS ) in just a few months .
`` Whilst access to CBILS was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repayments are due to begin in April 2021 , alongside business rates and a return to 20 % VAT , which will create a ‘ perfect storm ’ of financial pressures for our industry , '' he said .
Adam also called for better communication from the government with the sector .
`` There has been a dangerous impact on the mental health of those learning the fate of their business through leaks to press before official announcements are made , '' he said .
`` This irresponsible governance of our livelihoods has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves , and yet it is completely avoidable . ''
Mark Clinton , who is food and drink operations director for the huge Ducie Street Warehouse in the city centre , says he was already resigned to a Tier 3 announcement , especially once London was placed in the toughest restrictions .
`` Everything was just pointing to us staying exactly where we were , '' he said .
`` At the start of December , we sat down with our management team and looked at what we would do .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on furlough since the start of November - to bring them back would be so much disruption for potentially very little return .
`` There was a risk of a lot of waste .
If we 'd been trying to get ready to reopen with two days ' notice , and then got this news , we 'd have been facing a lot of waste and a lot of cost .
`` This time can get you really down , so we 're trying to make the best of it and plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've got my hospitality jacket off and my builder 's hat on !
`` I really feel for the operators who were n't shy of just going for it , who will have stock there and have invested a lot in their space . ''
Dean Mac , owner of One Eight Six and Le Chateau , added : `` In all honesty as optimistic as we tried to be , the second we saw London go into Tier 3 it became increasingly apparent that we would remain as we were .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with hospitality once again suffering at what would be our busiest time of the year .
You can ’ t help but feel disheartened .
`` We were set to launch our new offering , Le Chateau , which will now be pushed back to January when we had intended this for a December launch to coincide with the festive season . ''
Greater Manchester 's night time economy advisor Sacha Lord said he was disappointed by today 's Tier 3 decision .
`` We had an extremely strong argument to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates across the region , however yet again we are stuck in limbo with no clear guidance on how to escape '' Together with greater financial aid to prevent these businesses going under , I continue to call on the Government to show us the evidence that merits their closure . ''

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Greater Manchester's pubs and restaurants are to remain shut down for the rest of year, with the region staying under Tier 3 restrictions.
Operators who were hoping and planning for a drop in tiers are now facing wasted stock and a scramble to contact customers who had made bookings for the festive period.
Others - including Chorlton's Chapati Cafe - had taken control even ahead of Matt Hancock's statement and decided not to reopen at such short notice, even if the Government allowed them to.
Despite the region's hospitality venues remaining closed, next week people will be allowed to meet one another over the Christmas period.
Over five days, restrictions will be relaxed enough that three households will be able to gather to celebrate Christmas.
It's an 'insane' idea, according to one local business-owner, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has described it as a 'clear mistake'.
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Chris Herbert is co-founder of The Hive in Stretford, which has 'never known normal' after launching just two days before the first lockdown in March.
The restaurant and bar is in Trafford, which has one of the lowest infection rates in Greater Manchester and is now far below England's average, at 109.5 cases per 100,000 people.
He was expecting the borough to move into Tier 2, and was preparing to reopen this weekend.
He said: "We've spent money on it, done all our rotas, taken bookings and deposits, ordered food, and it's all wasted. It's just disheartening.
(Image: The Hive)
"We've just got to hope that our takeaway service can prevent waste, but the takeaway offering is only about five per cent of what our normal revenue is. It's just not viable.
"We try to put a positive spin on everything but if this goes on much longer, we're done."
Chris and his business partners had planned to open a second site in 2021 - now he says they're barely holding on to their first.
"We'd forecast to take between £30,000 and £40,000 over Christmas," he added, "And now we're left with £2,000 a month from the Government, it doesn't even touch the sides.
"If the Government don't increase their grants a lot of businesses are done for.
"How is it safe for people to meet up at home when we're here with a space that's as Covid-safe as possible that had to stay closed? It's absolutely crazy. It's insane.
"I think there'll be another spike, another national lockdown."
Fiona Botham, who runs Ramsbottom restaurants Levanter and Baratxuri with husband Joe, said it didn't come as a surprise that hospitality had been 'sacrificed' for the Government's Christmas plans.
She said: "There was never going to be tier movement once they realised what a monumental c***-up the five day Christmas rover ticket was turning out to be - a wild gesture made too far in advance by a PM wanting to be the Christmas hero rather than wait for the data and act more cautiously and appropriately."
She added: "Under Tier 2 we’d have safely welcomed single households inside, people who live together anyway, instead multiple households will gather inside, for much longer than a couple of hours, possibly overnight or for days, and once again the overall winners will be the supermarkets."
(Image: PA)
Andy Burnham said on BBC News this morning: "It's clear a mistake has been made over Christmas and I did say it at the time, that it was allowing too much.
"And my worry is that they're about to overcompensate with their decisions on the tiers."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Adam Jones, founder of Tattu Restaurants, said the money made available to businesses forced to remain closed was 'wholly inadequate', with the restaurant group's cost of closures now topping £700,000.
He said: "If we must remain closed in the interest of public health, businesses that cannot operate within the current restrictions need to see proportionate support.
Venues have made 'huge investment' to become Covid compliant, he added - and now face having to repay loans from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CIBLS) in just a few months.
"Whilst access to CBILS was essential for survival earlier this year, repayments are due to begin in April 2021, alongside business rates and a return to 20% VAT, which will create a ‘perfect storm’ of financial pressures for our industry," he said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Adam also called for better communication from the government with the sector.
"There has been a dangerous impact on the mental health of those learning the fate of their business through leaks to press before official announcements are made," he said.
"This irresponsible governance of our livelihoods has been equally as torturous as the restrictions themselves, and yet it is completely avoidable."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Mark Clinton, who is food and drink operations director for the huge Ducie Street Warehouse in the city centre, says he was already resigned to a Tier 3 announcement, especially once London was placed in the toughest restrictions.
"Everything was just pointing to us staying exactly where we were," he said.
"At the start of December, we sat down with our management team and looked at what we would do.
"We kept in mind that our staff have been on furlough since the start of November - to bring them back would be so much disruption for potentially very little return.
(Image: Felix Mooneeram)
"There was a risk of a lot of waste. If we'd been trying to get ready to reopen with two days' notice, and then got this news, we'd have been facing a lot of waste and a lot of cost.
"This time can get you really down, so we're trying to make the best of it and plan for quarter one of next year. I've got my hospitality jacket off and my builder's hat on!
"I really feel for the operators who weren't shy of just going for it, who will have stock there and have invested a lot in their space."
Dean Mac, owner of One Eight Six and Le Chateau, added: "In all honesty as optimistic as we tried to be, the second we saw London go into Tier 3 it became increasingly apparent that we would remain as we were.
"It’s heartbreaking and frustrating, with hospitality once again suffering at what would be our busiest time of the year. You can’t help but feel disheartened.
"We were set to launch our new offering, Le Chateau, which will now be pushed back to January when we had intended this for a December launch to coincide with the festive season."
(Image: Darren Robinson Photography)
Greater Manchester's night time economy advisor Sacha Lord said he was disappointed by today's Tier 3 decision.
"We had an extremely strong argument to be moved into Tier 2, with lowering infection rates across the region, however yet again we are stuck in limbo with no clear guidance on how to escape
"Together with greater financial aid to prevent these businesses going under, I continue to call on the Government to show us the evidence that merits their closure."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--What tiers have changed in England? Full list of areas in Tiers 1, 2 and 3

The UK Government has today announced its latest coronavirus tier allocations for local authorities across England .
Nearly all of the Tier 3 areas will remain at the current level of highest restrictions .
But from Saturday , a large area of the east and south east of the country will now move to the most strict coronavirus measures .
The new tier allocations mean as many as 38 million people will be living under the harshest level of restrictions - almost 70 % of the entire population .
Making a statement in the Commons on Thursday , he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.
” The cautious approach comes amid mounting concern about the prospect of a surge in cases following the easing of restrictions over the Christmas period .
Explaining the tougher measures Mr Hancock said case rates in the South East of England are up 46 % in the last week while hospital admissions are up by more than a third .
In the East of England cases are up two-thirds and hospital admissions up by nearly half in the last week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ London and parts of Hertfordshire and Essex were placed under the top level of restrictions earlier this week .
From Saturday , the following areas will be moved up into Tier 3 : • The rest of Hertfordshire not already in Tier 3 ( Dacorum , East Hertfordshire , North Hertfordshire , St Albans , Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield ) While just a small number of areas will be moved down a tier and will be subject to more relaxed measures .
From Saturday , Bristol and North Somerset will move from Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 .
The latest full list of Tier allocations for each local authority in the UK as of Saturday , December 19 : • The following local authorities in Essex : • The following local authorities in Hertfordshire : • Hampshire ( including Southampton but excluding Portsmouth , Gosport and Havant which are tier 3 ) • Surrey with the exception of Waverley • The following local authorities in Essex • All 32 boroughs plus the City of London

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The UK Government has today announced its latest coronavirus tier allocations for local authorities across England.
Nearly all of the Tier 3 areas will remain at the current level of highest restrictions.
But from Saturday, a large area of the east and south east of the country will now move to the most strict coronavirus measures.
The new tier allocations mean as many as 38 million people will be living under the harshest level of restrictions - almost 70% of the entire population.
Making a statement in the Commons on Thursday, he told MPs: “As we enter the coldest months we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control.”
The cautious approach comes amid mounting concern about the prospect of a surge in cases following the easing of restrictions over the Christmas period.
Explaining the tougher measures Mr Hancock said case rates in the South East of England are up 46% in the last week while hospital admissions are up by more than a third.
In the East of England cases are up two-thirds and hospital admissions up by nearly half in the last week.
The latest Tier 3 areas come after London and parts of Hertfordshire and Essex were placed under the top level of restrictions earlier this week.
From Saturday, the following areas will be moved up into Tier 3:
Bedford
Central Bedfordshire
Luton
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
Reading
Wokingham
Bracknell Forest
Windsor and Maidenhead
West Berkshire
Peterborough
The rest of Hertfordshire not already in Tier 3 (Dacorum, East Hertfordshire, North Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield)
Surrey (except Waverley)
Hastings and Rother
Portsmouth
Havant
Gosport
While just a small number of areas will be moved down a tier and will be subject to more relaxed measures.
From Saturday, Bristol and North Somerset will move from Tier 3 to Tier 2.
Meanwhile Herefordshire will move from Tier 2 to Tier 1.
The latest full list of Tier allocations for each local authority in the UK as of Saturday, December 19:
(Image: Getty Images)
Tier 1: Medium alert
South East
Isle of Wight
South West
Cornwall
Isles of Scilly
East of England
Herefordshire
Tier 2: High alert
East of England
Cambridgeshire
The following local authorities in Essex: Colchester Tendring Uttlesford
The following local authorities in Hertfordshire: Dacorum East Hertfordshire North Hertfordshire St Albans Stevenage Welwyn Hatfield
Norfolk
Suffolk
East Midlands
Northamptonshire
Rutland
North West
Cumbria
Liverpool City Region
Warrington and Cheshire
South East
Bracknell Forest
Brighton and Hove
East Sussex
Hampshire (including Southampton but excluding Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant which are tier 3)
Oxfordshire
Reading
West Sussex
Windsor and Maidenhead
Wokingham
South West
Bath and North East Somerset
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Bristol
Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay
Dorset
Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury)
North Somerset
Somerset (South Somerset, Somerset West and Taunton, Mendip and Sedgemoor)
Wiltshire and Swindon
West Midlands
Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin
Worcestershire
Yorkshire
City of York
North Yorkshire
Tier 3: Very High alert
East Midlands
Derby and Derbyshire
Leicester and Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
East of England
Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes
Peterborough
Hertfordshire
North East
North East Combined Authority: County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside Sunderland
North of Tyne Combined Authority: Newcastle upon Tyne North Tyneside Northumberland
Tees Valley Combined Authority: Darlington Hartlepool Middlesbrough Redcar and Cleveland Stockton-on-Tees
North West
Blackburn with Darwen
Blackpool
Greater Manchester
Lancashire
South East
Kent and Medway
Slough
Buckinghamshire
West Berkshire
Surrey with the exception of Waverley
Hastings and Rother
Portsmouth
Gosport
Havant
The following local authorities in Essex Basildon Braintree Brentwood Castle Point Chelmsford Epping Forest Harlow Maldon Rochford Southend-on-Sea Thurrock
London All 32 boroughs plus the City of London
South West
South Gloucestershire
West Midlands
Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
Yorkshire and The Humber


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Everything Matt Hancock said about why Greater Manchester is staying in Tier 3

Greater Manchester will remain in the highest level of coronavirus restrictions , the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced today .
During a statement in the House of Commons , Mr Hancock released the details of the latest government review of the tier system in England .
There had been hopes that Greater Manchester - or some boroughs - would be moved down to Tier 2 , due to a fall in infection rates .
But the Health Secretary said many areas in Tier 3 were not 'quite there , ' as he announced just three areas in the country would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling across most of Greater Manchester for some weeks , he said that pressures on the NHS still remained .
Mr Hancock said : `` I know that Tier 3 measures are tough but the best way for everyone to get out of them is to pull together - not just to follow the rules but do everything they possibly can to stop the spread of the virus .
`` Where we have seen places get the virus under control and come out of Tier 3 it is where everyone has taken responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have seen case rates fall across large parts of England , and I know that many places in Tier 3 have seen their rates reduce .
In most places we are not quite there .
`` The pressures on the NHS remain . ''
The vast majority of places in Tier 3 , including Greater Manchester , Lancashire , and parts of Yorkshire have remained in the highest tier .
Bristol and North Somerset are the only Tier 3 areas in the country which have moved to Tier 2 , after rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last two weeks .
Herefordshire has moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 as the number of cases came down to 45 per 100,000 people .
Mr Hancock added : `` We assess these decisions according to the five published indicators - case rates , case rates amongst the over 60s , test positivity , rates of change and hospital pressure .
`` I want to pay tribute to everyone who has been doing the right thing and getting rates down , whether or not your area has come down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's so vital that everyone sticks at it and does the right thing , especially over this Christmas period . ''
Mayor of Greater Manchester , Andy Burnham , said there was a case for the area to be moved down to Tier 2 today , but added he 'would n't be surprised ' if the government erred on the side of caution .
As of December 12 , nine Greater Manchester boroughs have coronavirus infection rates that are lower than the average for England .
But numbers have been creeping up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates rising week-on-week in Oldham , Salford and Trafford .
This week , a Greater Manchester MP warned that the situation across the region 's hospitals was still 'fragile , ' some 'struggling to keep their head above water . '
The tier system is set to be reviewed again on December 30 , but this is yet to be formally announced by the Government .

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Greater Manchester will remain in the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced today.
During a statement in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock released the details of the latest government review of the tier system in England.
There had been hopes that Greater Manchester - or some boroughs - would be moved down to Tier 2, due to a fall in infection rates.
But the Health Secretary said many areas in Tier 3 were not 'quite there,' as he announced just three areas in the country would move down.
Although cases had been falling across most of Greater Manchester for some weeks, he said that pressures on the NHS still remained.
Mr Hancock said: "I know that Tier 3 measures are tough but the best way for everyone to get out of them is to pull together - not just to follow the rules but do everything they possibly can to stop the spread of the virus.
(Image: M.E.N)
"Where we have seen places get the virus under control and come out of Tier 3 it is where everyone has taken responsibility themselves to make that happen.
"We have seen case rates fall across large parts of England, and I know that many places in Tier 3 have seen their rates reduce. In most places we are not quite there.
"The pressures on the NHS remain."
The vast majority of places in Tier 3, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and parts of Yorkshire have remained in the highest tier.
Bristol and North Somerset are the only Tier 3 areas in the country which have moved to Tier 2, after rates fell from 432 per 100,000 to 121 in the last two weeks.
Herefordshire has moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 as the number of cases came down to 45 per 100,000 people.
Mr Hancock added: "We assess these decisions according to the five published indicators - case rates, case rates amongst the over 60s, test positivity, rates of change and hospital pressure.
"I want to pay tribute to everyone who has been doing the right thing and getting rates down, whether or not your area has come down a tier or not today.
"It's so vital that everyone sticks at it and does the right thing, especially over this Christmas period."
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said there was a case for the area to be moved down to Tier 2 today, but added he 'wouldn't be surprised' if the government erred on the side of caution.
As of December 12, nine Greater Manchester boroughs have coronavirus infection rates that are lower than the average for England.
But numbers have been creeping up in some areas of recent days, with rates rising week-on-week in Oldham, Salford and Trafford.
This week, a Greater Manchester MP warned that the situation across the region's hospitals was still 'fragile,' some 'struggling to keep their head above water. '
The tier system is set to be reviewed again on December 30, but this is yet to be formally announced by the Government.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Survey: Should Greater Manchester be in Tier 3?

Greater Manchester and Lancashire are staying in Tier 3 restrictions after a review of Covid rules across England .
Matt Hancock announced in the House of Commons on Thursday morning that Bristol and North Somerset were coming out of Tier 3 into Tier 2 - but that every other part of England currently in Tier 3 was staying there .
He also announced a list of areas that would be moved up into Tier 3 including Surrey , Berkshire and Peterborough .
The decision comes after mayor Andy Burnham warned that it was unlikely that the region would go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well 'over compensate ' for an excessive easing of social mixing restrictions over Christmas .
Do you think the government has made the right decision ?
Let us know in our survey below : It comes after Boris Johnson yesterday urged people to have a ‘ smaller , safer Christmas ’ .
The Prime Minister said it would be “ inhuman ” to ban Christmas entirely and confirmed the festive bubble policy allowing households to mix between December 23 and 27 would remain in place .
However he has asked people to minimise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to avoid staying away from home over night if possible .
He also urged people not to travel from a high-prevalence to a low-prevalence area and suggested people should avoid seeing elderly relatives until they have been vaccinated .

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Greater Manchester and Lancashire are staying in Tier 3 restrictions after a review of Covid rules across England.
Matt Hancock announced in the House of Commons on Thursday morning that Bristol and North Somerset were coming out of Tier 3 into Tier 2 - but that every other part of England currently in Tier 3 was staying there. He also announced a list of areas that would be moved up into Tier 3 including Surrey, Berkshire and Peterborough.
The decision comes after mayor Andy Burnham warned that it was unlikely that the region would go into Tier 2 speculating that the government could well 'over compensate' for an excessive easing of social mixing restrictions over Christmas.
Do you think the government has made the right decision? Let us know in our survey below:
It comes after Boris Johnson yesterday urged people to have a ‘smaller, safer Christmas’.
The Prime Minister said it would be “inhuman” to ban Christmas entirely and confirmed the festive bubble policy allowing households to mix between December 23 and 27 would remain in place.
However he has asked people to minimise the number of people getting together, and to avoid staying away from home over night if possible.
He also urged people not to travel from a high-prevalence to a low-prevalence area and suggested people should avoid seeing elderly relatives until they have been vaccinated.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Barcelona presidential hopeful confirms stance on Guardiola and Messi

One of the frontrunners to become Barcelona 's new president says he can not imagine Lionel Messi playing for Manchester City .
Messi came close to leaving Barcelona in the summer after falling out with the club 's hierarchy , who have since all resigned , prompting a new presidential election in January .
Messi opted to stay at the Nou Camp to avoid a costly legal battle to end his contract , with City his most likely destination .
The Blues have since confirmed they are in a position to sign Messi should he look to leave next summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his long-held belief that he wants Messi to end his career at Barcelona .
Unsurprisingly , Messi 's future has become the focal point of the presidential election , with one candidate Victor Font saying Guardiola returning to Barca could be key to keeping Messi .
However , Joan Laporta , a former Barcelona president and candidate in the upcoming election , says he does not envisage Messi or Guardiola leaving their current clubs .
`` I can only imagine him in a Barça shirt , '' Laporta is quoted as saying by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League could be key to keeping the Argentine at Barca until he retires .
`` And I will do everything possible to make sure he continues to wear it with the number 10 on his back .
I think it suits him very well .
`` I know Leo and I think he just wants to keep playing , and focus on winning another Champions League .
People say to me : `` why do n't you talk to him ? ''
But he already knows what I think .
`` He knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I 'll do is to work out how I can convince him to stay until the end of his career . ''
Laporta explained why Messi was so keen to leave Barcelona in August , explaining that he is confident of keeping Barca 's star player due to his close relationship with Messi and his representatives .
`` With a competitive team , I do [ believe Messi can keep playing for a long time . ]
With Leo it 's not a question of money .
What he wants is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Champions League again . '
`` What upsets Leo most is that they lied to him .
I am lucky enough to be able to say that he has told me : 'you have never lied to me .
Always when you have proposed something to me , you have kept your word . '
`` [ The former board ] made him the one who was responsible for everything , they stayed in the background and he did not have to put up with that . ''
As for Guardiola , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the coach he appointed to become Barcelona boss in 2008 .
However , Laporta insisted he has no plans to try and bring Guardiola back to the Nou Camp while he is still committed to his job at City .
`` With Pep I have an open line , ' he said .
`` He 's a friend , I talk to him , and he 's the best coach in the world .
But I knew what his situation was at City .
So , I never took that step .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so big now that I ca n't be thinking about what could happen in years to come , even with a friend .
I 'm worried about Barça .
I 'm not worried about things that are external to the club .
`` Obviously , I wish him and Txiki [ Begiristain ] , and all those people I love who are there , all the best . ''

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One of the frontrunners to become Barcelona's new president says he cannot imagine Lionel Messi playing for Manchester City.
Messi came close to leaving Barcelona in the summer after falling out with the club's hierarchy, who have since all resigned, prompting a new presidential election in January. Messi opted to stay at the Nou Camp to avoid a costly legal battle to end his contract, with City his most likely destination.
The Blues have since confirmed they are in a position to sign Messi should he look to leave next summer, but manager Pep Guardiola has reiterated his long-held belief that he wants Messi to end his career at Barcelona.
Unsurprisingly, Messi's future has become the focal point of the presidential election, with one candidate Victor Font saying Guardiola returning to Barca could be key to keeping Messi.
However, Joan Laporta, a former Barcelona president and candidate in the upcoming election, says he does not envisage Messi or Guardiola leaving their current clubs.
"I can only imagine him in a Barça shirt," Laporta is quoted as saying by the Mail, explaining that the Champions League could be key to keeping the Argentine at Barca until he retires.
"And I will do everything possible to make sure he continues to wear it with the number 10 on his back. I think it suits him very well.
"I know Leo and I think he just wants to keep playing, and focus on winning another Champions League. People say to me: "why don't you talk to him?" But he already knows what I think.
"He knows that if I'm president the first thing I'll do is to work out how I can convince him to stay until the end of his career."
Laporta explained why Messi was so keen to leave Barcelona in August, explaining that he is confident of keeping Barca's star player due to his close relationship with Messi and his representatives.
"With a competitive team, I do [believe Messi can keep playing for a long time.] With Leo it's not a question of money. What he wants is to be in a team that can win the Champions League again.'
"What upsets Leo most is that they lied to him. I am lucky enough to be able to say that he has told me: 'you have never lied to me. Always when you have proposed something to me, you have kept your word.'
"[The former board] made him the one who was responsible for everything, they stayed in the background and he did not have to put up with that."
As for Guardiola, Laporta revealed he is in regular communication with the coach he appointed to become Barcelona boss in 2008. However, Laporta insisted he has no plans to try and bring Guardiola back to the Nou Camp while he is still committed to his job at City.
"With Pep I have an open line,' he said.
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"He's a friend, I talk to him, and he's the best coach in the world. But I knew what his situation was at City. So, I never took that step.
"The problems we'll face are so big now that I can't be thinking about what could happen in years to come, even with a friend. I'm worried about Barça. I'm not worried about things that are external to the club.
"Obviously, I wish him and Txiki [Begiristain], and all those people I love who are there, all the best."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Fred sets Premier League title challenge to Man United teammates

Fred believes a strong run of form in December can cement Manchester United 's Premier League title credentials .
United can move two points behind second-placed Tottenham , with a game in hand , by defeating Sheffield United today after Jose Mourinho 's men were beaten at Anfield on Wednesday .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's men can focus on their league campaign with the Europa League not resuming until February , starting at Bramall Lane against bottom side Sheffield United .
United have a difficult run over the festive period , facing Leeds , Leicester , Aston Villa and Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed into a key player for Solskjaer and believes United can overtake league leaders Liverpool by winning all of their December fixtures .
`` The key to coming back and winning is our concentration in every game , going on to the pitch to do our best and be decisive and to believe , '' he said .
`` Our team have done this in some games this season , we ’ ve had some great performances , so we must aim for this consistency , to continue having great games and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great performances .
`` We ’ re very close to the top of the table and we ’ ve got some big games coming up in December .
`` If we can win all of them , we ’ ll be very close to the leaders at the top of the league or we could even take first place .
So we ’ ll look to win every game and I ’ m certain our team will do everything to reach the top of the table and stay there . ''
Fred admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart but is pleased to be back at the top of his game .
He added : `` It has been a difficult year for everybody , really different .
Professionally speaking , I looked to grow and do my best here at Manchester United .
There were some difficult games after the restart where I didn ’ t play that well , but I aimed to do my best during a difficult year .
`` Personally , I think it was a year that gave us a lot to think about .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable of , to be better for our families and those around us .
It was a year full of difficulties but when we stop to think about our families alongside us , we see that we have this affection from everybody to be close by , to be at home and closer to our families , so it ’ s been a really important year . ''

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Fred believes a strong run of form in December can cement Manchester United's Premier League title credentials.
United can move two points behind second-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand, by defeating Sheffield United today after Jose Mourinho's men were beaten at Anfield on Wednesday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men can focus on their league campaign with the Europa League not resuming until February, starting at Bramall Lane against bottom side Sheffield United.
United have a difficult run over the festive period, facing Leeds, Leicester, Aston Villa and Liverpool in the next month.
Fred has developed into a key player for Solskjaer and believes United can overtake league leaders Liverpool by winning all of their December fixtures.
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"The key to coming back and winning is our concentration in every game, going on to the pitch to do our best and be decisive and to believe," he said.
"Our team have done this in some games this season, we’ve had some great performances, so we must aim for this consistency, to continue having great games and to go very far with a run of great performances.
"We’re very close to the top of the table and we’ve got some big games coming up in December.
"If we can win all of them, we’ll be very close to the leaders at the top of the league or we could even take first place. So we’ll look to win every game and I’m certain our team will do everything to reach the top of the table and stay there."
Fred admitted that his form suffered following the June restart but is pleased to be back at the top of his game.
He added: "It has been a difficult year for everybody, really different. Professionally speaking, I looked to grow and do my best here at Manchester United. There were some difficult games after the restart where I didn’t play that well, but I aimed to do my best during a difficult year.
"Personally, I think it was a year that gave us a lot to think about.
"Think about what we’re capable of, to be better for our families and those around us. It was a year full of difficulties but when we stop to think about our families alongside us, we see that we have this affection from everybody to be close by, to be at home and closer to our families, so it’s been a really important year."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Greater Manchester stays in Tier 3 - here are all the rules

Greater Manchester has stayed in Tier 3 following a government review .
There was speculation that the region could be downgraded to Tier 2 following a dramatic drop in coronavirus case rates .
Greater Manchester boroughs now have infection rates that are lower than the average for England , the latest Public Health England data has shown .
Mayor Andy Burnham also argued on Wednesday that there was a `` clear case '' for the region being eased into Tier 2 .
However , Matt Hancock announced little change to the Tiers across England on Thursday , after already bumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 3 earlier in the week .
This means that there will be no changes for Greater Manchester until the next review .
Do you think the government has made the right decision ?
Let us know in our survey below : These are the rules that people across the region still need to follow : You must not meet socially indoors with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with - unless a legal exemption applies .
You must not meet socially ( in a private garden or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with - unless a legal exemption applies .
However , you can see friends and family you do not live with ( or do not have a support bubble with ) in some outdoor public places , in a group of up to six .
This limit of six includes children of any age .
• public gardens ( whether or not you pay to enter them ) You can continue to meet in a group larger than six if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support bubble , or another legal exemption applies .
Support bubbles have been expanded .
You can form a support bubble with another household if you : • are the only adult in your household ( any other members of the household having been under 18 on 12 June 2020 ) , or are an under 18 year old living alone • live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household • live with child under 1 , or who was under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a child under 5 , or who was under 5 on 2 December 2020 , with a disability There are exceptions where people can continue to gather indoors or in private gardens , or in groups larger than six , in outdoor public places : • as part of a single household or support bubble • in a childcare bubble ( for the purposes of childcare only ) • for work , or providing voluntary or charitable services , including in other people ’ s homes ( read guidance on working safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • for registered childcare , education or training – meaning education related to a formal curriculum or training that relates to work or obtaining work • for supervised activities provided for children and those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020 , including wraparound care ( before and after-school childcare ) , children ’ s groups , activities for under-18s , and children ’ s playgroups • for parent and toddler groups – up to a maximum of 15 people .
Under-5s do not count towards this limit .
These can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians • to allow contact between birth parents and children in care , as well as between siblings in care • for prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them • support groups of up to 15 participants – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid , therapy or any other form of support , where it is necessary for these to take place in person .
These can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not count towards the 15 person limit for support groups • to provide emergency assistance , and to avoid injury or illness , or to escape a risk of harm • to see someone who is dying • to fulfil a legal obligation , such as attending court or jury service • for gatherings within criminal justice accomodation or immigration detention centres • to provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable , or to provide respite for a carer • for a wedding or equivalent ceremony where the organiser has carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Receptions are not permitted to limit the risk of transmission of the virus - up to 15 people .
These can not take place in private dwellings , except for weddings that take place in exceptional circumstances where one of the parties is seriously ill and not expected to recover .
• for funerals – up to a maximum of 30 people – and for commemorative events , such as wakes or stonesettings – up to 15 people .
These can not take place in private dwellings • to visit someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit someone receiving treatment in a hospital , hospice or care home , or to accompany a family member or friend to a medical appointment • for elite sportspeople ( and their support teams if necessary , or parents/guardians if they are under 18 ) to compete and train • for organised outdoor sport and physical activity and organised sports for disabled people to facilitate a house move Where a group includes someone covered by an exception ( for example , someone who is working or volunteering ) , they are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit .
This means , for example , a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit , if they are there for work , and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit .
Keeping you and your friends and family safe When meeting friends and family you should also : • follow guidance on social distancing and letting in fresh air • limit how many different people you see socially over any period of time As well as specific exemptions set out below , any closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing essential voluntary services or urgent public support services , including the provision of food banks or other support for the homeless or vulnerable people , blood donation sessions , support in an emergency • for the making of a film , television programme , audio programme or audio-visual advertisement • for the purpose of voting or related activities Hospitality settings , such as bars ( including shisha bars ) , pubs , cafes , restaurants , and social clubs must close except for takeaway , delivery and click and collect services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or member ’ s clubs .
Exemptions apply for the following settings : • hospitals , care homes , or supported housing as part of extra care schemes • schools and providers of post-16 education and training , such as further education colleges • higher education accommodation , and at higher education providers ( where there is no practical alternative for staff and students to obtain food and where alcohol is not served for consumption on the premises ) • workplace canteens ( where there is no practical alternative and where alcohol is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Services providing food or drink to those experiencing homelessness can also remain open .
Businesses and venues selling alcohol for consumption off the premises can continue to do so as long as this is through takeaway , delivery service , click-and-collect or drive-through Food or alcohol purchased from a hospitality premises via takeaway or click-and-collect may not be consumed on any part of that premises , including beer gardens , as well as adjacent seating to the premises ( with exceptions for motorway service areas , airports , seaports , the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although these places can not sell alcohol after 11pm ) .
Businesses must not provide shared smoking equipment for use on the premises .
Accommodation such as hotels , B & Bs , campsites , holiday lets and guest houses must close .
These premises can only open for a person , who : • is unable to return to their main residence • uses it as their main residence • needs it while moving house • needs it to attend a funeral , linked commemorative event or following a bereavement of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolating themselves from others as required by law • is an elite athlete ( or their coach ) and needs it for training or competition • needs it for work purposes , or to provide voluntary or charitable service • was staying there immediately before the area entered Tier 3 • needs it to attend education or training • is a carer for someone they live with and is seeking respite • needs to attend a medical appointment or treatment They can also open : • for any purpose requested by the Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Businesses that remain open in law , but are located within accommodation , such as a spa within a hotel , can remain open .
These restrictions on accommodation do not apply between 22 to 28 December 2020 .
This means that accommodation may open during this period for people to stay in order to be located near their Christmas bubbles .
However other restrictions , such as those on hospitality and social contact still apply - so people can not mix with their Christmas bubble in a hotel , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their permanently .
Please see separate guidance for more information on the rules for social contact during the Christmas period ( 23 to 27 December ) .
The following entertainment and tourist venues must close : • indoor play centres and areas , including inflatable parks and soft play centres and areas ( other than for people who have a disability ) • trampolining parks ( other than for elite athletes , people with a disability , supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes ) • indoor skating rinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional dancers and choreographers , people with a disability , supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes ) • cinemas , theatres concert halls – other than drive-in events , broadcasting performances , training or rehearsal • snooker and pool halls ( other than for elite athletes ) At the following outdoor entertainment venues , the indoor attractions must close : • botanical or other gardens , biomes or greenhouses • heritage sites such as castles , stately homes or heritage railways Conference centres and exhibition halls are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exhibitions , trade shows , private dining events or banquets The following outdoor venue can remain open : • outdoor tourism and entertainment venues can remain open subject to following the relevant rules and guidelines • outdoor cinemas , theatres and concert venues can remain open for drive-in only , but must close at 11pm , other than for the purposes of concluding a performance which began before 10pm • outdoor events , such as funfairs can continue to happen in line with COVID-secure guidance – other than large outdoor performance events ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which must be drive-in only • leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open , but group exercise classes ( including fitness and dance ) should not go ahead • retail premises may open , other than shops situated inside closed premises that can not be accessed directly from the street – retail premises within accommodation may also stay open • personal care and close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers , beauty salons , tattoo parlours , nail salons , spas and beauty services , saunas , steam rooms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
• community centres and halls , and libraries can remain open .
Group events should not take place , unless there ’ s a specific legal exemption to the social contact rules e.g .
support groups , supervised activities for children .
• recycling and waste centres , car parks , and public toilets may continue to stay open All businesses and venues should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers , visitors and workers .
In certain indoor settings , staff and customers must wear face coverings , unless they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if their workers need to self-isolate , they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation .
Some businesses have to collect customer , visitor and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace .
If businesses fail to comply with these restrictions , they can face fines of up to £10,000 , prosecution or closure .
Everyone who can work from home should do so .
Where people can not do so – including , but not limited to , people who work in critical national infrastructure , construction , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their workplace .
Public-sector employees working in essential services , including education settings , should continue to go into work where necessary .
The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19-secure guidelines are followed closely .
Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk .
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you can go to work as long as your workplace is COVID-secure .
Gatherings for work purposes are only allowed where they are reasonably necessary .
If meetings take place in the workplace , workplaces should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines .
Meals to socialise with work colleagues are not permitted .
Going to school , college and university The government has prioritised ensuring all children and young people can attend school and college safely , to support their wellbeing and education and help working parents and guardians .
All pupils should continue to attend school and colleges , unless required to self-isolate , when their school and college should provide them with high quality remote education .
Universities should follow guidance on reopening buildings to ensure they have safety measures in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you ’ re a student , you can meet in groups of more than your household as part of your formal education or training .
Students should expect to follow the guidance and restrictions .
You should socially distance from anyone you do not live with wherever possible .
University students are allowed to change their household temporarily once after 2 December to return home for Christmas .
After that point they should comply with the social contact limits above as if their family home is their household .
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family home is part of .
Where available , students should take advantage of a free test from their university before departing .
In schools and colleges where year 7 and above are educated , face coverings should be worn by adults ( staff and visitors ) and pupils when moving around indoors , such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain .
Read the guidance for teachers , school leaders , carers and parents on education and childcare .
There are several ways that parents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier 3 .
You can get childcare support from : • professional childcare providers in the home such as nannies ( read guidance on working safely in other people ’ s homes ) • other supervised activities provided for young people ( including anyone who was under 18 on 31 August 2020 ) – including wraparound care , youth groups and activities , and children ’ s playgroups • people in a childcare bubble – parents are able to form a childcare bubble with one other household for the purposes of informal childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under • people in a support bubble – some households will also be able to benefit from being in a support bubble Friends or family who do not live with you and are not part of a support or childcare bubble must not visit your home to help with childcare .
Childcare bubbles are to be used to provide childcare only , and not for the purposes of different households mixing where they are otherwise not allowed to do so .
Read guidance on making and using a childcare bubble .
Visits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as substantial screens , visiting pods , and window visits .
Regular testing will be offered to up to two family members or friends per resident by Christmas , which – when combined with other infection-control measures such as PPE – will support indoor visits with physical contact .
Detailed guidance will be published shortly .
You can continue to travel within your area for reasons such as : • travelling to venues that are open You should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport .
Where that is not possible and you need to travel .
Avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble .
You must not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms , are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms , are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms , or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace .
Travelling into or out of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside your area , including for overnight stays , other than where necessary , such as : Where necessary , you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey .
If you live in a Tier 3 area , you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area .
You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home ( unless you share a support bubble ) .
If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone or with members of your household or support bubble , and should follow the safer transport guidance .
If you live in a Tier 3 area , you should avoid staying overnight outside of your area other other than where necessary , such as : If you live elsewhere , you should avoid staying overnight in a Tier 3 area other than for this type of reason .
This means you should not leave a Tier 3 alert level area to stay in a second home .
You must not stay with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Tier 3 alert level area , or visit their home , unless you share a support bubble .
In a Tier 3 , you should avoid travelling outside of your area .
If you do need to travel abroad see the Foreign , Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice for your destination and the travel corridors list .
When travelling , it is important that you respect the rules in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where your intended activities there would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant devolved administration .
During the Christmas period ( 23 to 27 December ) different rules on travel will apply .
Weddings , civil partnership ceremonies and funerals must only take place in COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances .
You can have up to : • 15 people for wedding or civil partnership ceremonies – but receptions are not permitted • 15 people for wakes or linked ceremonial events ( such as stone-settings ) before or after the funeral The limits above are the maximum number for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example at a wedding or civil partnership ceremony to include the couple and guests .
Anyone working at a wedding , civil partnership ceremony , funeral or linked ceremonial event is not included in the limit .
Within these larger gatherings , social distancing should still be followed between people who do not live together or share a support bubble .
Read the guidance on small marriages and civil partnerships and managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic .
You can attend places of worship for a service .
However , you must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household or support bubble .
You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship .
In line with guidance from sporting national governing bodies , you can take part in organised sport and physical activity outdoors with any number of people .
However , you should avoid contact in training and , for some sports , avoid contact in all activities .
Gyms and sports facilities will be open for individual exercise and exercise in single households or support bubbles only .
Indoor group activities and exercise classes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do unlimited exercise alone , or in an outdoor public place in groups up to 6 .
There are exceptions for the following , which can take place in any number : • sports as part of the curriculum in education • supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s ( including those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020 ) You can still move home .
Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work .
If you ’ re looking to move home , you can go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance on moving home safely , which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering .
If you break the rules The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups .
This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines ( fixed penalty notices ) .
You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence , doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400 .
If you hold , or are involved in holding , an illegal gathering of over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines of £10,000 .

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Greater Manchester has stayed in Tier 3 following a government review.
There was speculation that the region could be downgraded to Tier 2 following a dramatic drop in coronavirus case rates.
Greater Manchester boroughs now have infection rates that are lower than the average for England, the latest Public Health England data has shown.
Mayor Andy Burnham also argued on Wednesday that there was a "clear case" for the region being eased into Tier 2.
However, Matt Hancock announced little change to the Tiers across England on Thursday, after already bumping London and other south east areas into Tier 3 earlier in the week.
This means that there will be no changes for Greater Manchester until the next review.
Do you think the government has made the right decision? Let us know in our survey below:
These are the rules that people across the region still need to follow:
Meeting family and friends
Meeting indoors
You must not meet socially indoors with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with - unless a legal exemption applies.
‘Indoors’ means any indoor setting, including private homes.
Meeting outdoors
You must not meet socially (in a private garden or at most outdoor public venues), with anybody you do not live with or have a support bubble with - unless a legal exemption applies.
However, you can see friends and family you do not live with (or do not have a support bubble with) in some outdoor public places, in a group of up to six. This limit of six includes children of any age.
(Image: PA)
These outdoor public places include:
parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
allotments
the grounds of a heritage site
outdoor sports courts and facilities
playgrounds
You can continue to meet in a group larger than six if you are all from the same household or support bubble, or another legal exemption applies.
Support and childcare bubbles
Support bubbles have been expanded. You can form a support bubble with another household if you:
are the only adult in your household (any other members of the household having been under 18 on 12 June 2020), or are an under 18 year old living alone
live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household
live with child under 1, or who was under 1 on 2 December 2020
live with a child under 5, or who was under 5 on 2 December 2020, with a disability
Meeting in larger groups
There are exceptions where people can continue to gather indoors or in private gardens, or in groups larger than six, in outdoor public places:
as part of a single household or support bubble
in a childcare bubble (for the purposes of childcare only)
for work, or providing voluntary or charitable services, including in other people’s homes (read guidance on working safely in other people’s homes)
for registered childcare, education or training – meaning education related to a formal curriculum or training that relates to work or obtaining work
for supervised activities provided for children and those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020, including wraparound care (before and after-school childcare), children’s groups, activities for under-18s, and children’s playgroups
for parent and toddler groups – up to a maximum of 15 people. Under-5s do not count towards this limit. These cannot take place in private dwellings.
for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians
to allow contact between birth parents and children in care, as well as between siblings in care
for prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them
support groups of up to 15 participants – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support, where it is necessary for these to take place in person. These cannot take place in private dwellings. Under-5s do not count towards the 15 person limit for support groups
for birth partners
to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm
to see someone who is dying
to fulfil a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service
for gatherings within criminal justice accomodation or immigration detention centres
to provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable, or to provide respite for a carer
for a wedding or equivalent ceremony where the organiser has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures. Receptions are not permitted to limit the risk of transmission of the virus - up to 15 people. These cannot take place in private dwellings, except for weddings that take place in exceptional circumstances where one of the parties is seriously ill and not expected to recover.
for funerals – up to a maximum of 30 people – and for commemorative events, such as wakes or stonesettings – up to 15 people. These cannot take place in private dwellings
to visit someone at home who is dying, or to visit someone receiving treatment in a hospital, hospice or care home, or to accompany a family member or friend to a medical appointment
for elite sportspeople (and their support teams if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) to compete and train
for organised outdoor sport and physical activity and organised sports for disabled people to facilitate a house move
Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.
Keeping you and your friends and family safe
When meeting friends and family you should also:
follow guidance on social distancing and letting in fresh air
limit how many different people you see socially over any period of time
Businesses and venues
As well as specific exemptions set out below, any closed business can remain open for:
providing essential voluntary services or urgent public support services, including the provision of food banks or other support for the homeless or vulnerable people, blood donation sessions, support in an emergency
for the making of a film, television programme, audio programme or audio-visual advertisement
for the purpose of voting or related activities
Hospitality
Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or member’s clubs. Exemptions apply for the following settings:
Cafes and canteens at:
hospitals, care homes, or supported housing as part of extra care schemes
schools and providers of post-16 education and training, such as further education colleges
higher education accommodation, and at higher education providers (where there is no practical alternative for staff and students to obtain food and where alcohol is not served for consumption on the premises)
criminal justice accommodation or immigration detention centres
naval/military/airforce or MoD facilities
workplace canteens (where there is no practical alternative and where alcohol is not served for consumption on the premises)
Services providing food or drink to those experiencing homelessness can also remain open.
Businesses and venues selling alcohol for consumption off the premises can continue to do so as long as this is through takeaway, delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
Food or alcohol purchased from a hospitality premises via takeaway or click-and-collect may not be consumed on any part of that premises, including beer gardens, as well as adjacent seating to the premises (with exceptions for motorway service areas, airports, seaports, the international terminal at Folkestone and public transport services although these places cannot sell alcohol after 11pm).
Businesses must not provide shared smoking equipment for use on the premises.
Accommodation
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close. These premises can only open for a person, who:
is unable to return to their main residence
uses it as their main residence
needs it while moving house
needs it to attend a funeral, linked commemorative event or following a bereavement of a close family member or friend
is isolating themselves from others as required by law
is an elite athlete (or their coach) and needs it for training or competition
needs it for work purposes, or to provide voluntary or charitable service
was staying there immediately before the area entered Tier 3
needs it to attend education or training
is a carer for someone they live with and is seeking respite
needs to attend a medical appointment or treatment
They can also open:
to enable voting, including an overseas election
as a women’s refuge or a vulnerable person’s refuge
for any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority
Businesses that remain open in law, but are located within accommodation, such as a spa within a hotel, can remain open.
These restrictions on accommodation do not apply between 22 to 28 December 2020. This means that accommodation may open during this period for people to stay in order to be located near their Christmas bubbles. However other restrictions, such as those on hospitality and social contact still apply - so people cannot mix with their Christmas bubble in a hotel, for example, unless a member of their bubble lives their permanently. Please see separate guidance for more information on the rules for social contact during the Christmas period (23 to 27 December).
Closed entertainment venues and visitor attractions
The following entertainment and tourist venues must close:
indoor play centres and areas, including inflatable parks and soft play centres and areas (other than for people who have a disability)
trampolining parks (other than for elite athletes, people with a disability, supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes)
casinos
bingo halls
bowling alleys
indoor skating rinks (other than for elite athletes, professional dancers and choreographers, people with a disability, supervised activities for children and for formal education or training purposes)
amusement arcades and adult gaming centres
nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
laser quests and escape rooms
cinemas, theatres concert halls – other than drive-in events, broadcasting performances, training or rehearsal
circuses
snooker and pool halls (other than for elite athletes)
At the following outdoor entertainment venues, the indoor attractions must close:
zoos, safari parks, and aquariums
other animal attractions including farms
water parks and aqua parks
model villages
museums, galleries and sculpture parks
botanical or other gardens, biomes or greenhouses
theme parks, fairgrounds and funfairs
adventure playgrounds and parks, including ziplining
visitor attractions at film studios,
heritage sites such as castles, stately homes or heritage railways
landmarks including observation wheels and viewing platforms
Other restricted venues
Conference centres and exhibition halls are closed for the purposes of hosting conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private dining events or banquets
Venues which can remain open
The following outdoor venue can remain open:
outdoor tourism and entertainment venues can remain open subject to following the relevant rules and guidelines
outdoor cinemas, theatres and concert venues can remain open for drive-in only, but must close at 11pm, other than for the purposes of concluding a performance which began before 10pm
outdoor events, such as funfairs can continue to happen in line with COVID-secure guidance – other than large outdoor performance events (performances, shows and screenings), which must be drive-in only
leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead
retail premises may open, other than shops situated inside closed premises that cannot be accessed directly from the street – retail premises within accommodation may also stay open
personal care and close contact services such as hairdressers and barbers, beauty salons, tattoo parlours, nail salons, spas and beauty services, saunas, steam rooms, massage parlours and tanning salons can remain open.
community centres and halls, and libraries can remain open. Group events should not take place, unless there’s a specific legal exemption to the social contact rules e.g. support groups, supervised activities for children.
recycling and waste centres, car parks, and public toilets may continue to stay open
All businesses and venues should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.
In certain indoor settings, staff and customers must wear face coverings, unless they have an exemption.
Businesses must ensure that if their workers need to self-isolate, they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation.
Some businesses have to collect customer, visitor and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace.
If businesses fail to comply with these restrictions, they can face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution or closure.
Going to work
Everyone who can work from home should do so.
Where people cannot do so – including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace.
Public-sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary.
The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19-secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you can go to work as long as your workplace is COVID-secure. Gatherings for work purposes are only allowed where they are reasonably necessary. If meetings take place in the workplace, workplaces should be set up to meet the COVID-secure guidelines. Meals to socialise with work colleagues are not permitted.
Going to school, college and university
The government has prioritised ensuring all children and young people can attend school and college safely, to support their wellbeing and education and help working parents and guardians. All pupils should continue to attend school and colleges, unless required to self-isolate, when their school and college should provide them with high quality remote education.
Universities
Universities should follow guidance on reopening buildings to ensure they have safety measures in place to minimise the spread of the virus.
If you’re a student, you can meet in groups of more than your household as part of your formal education or training. Students should expect to follow the guidance and restrictions. You should socially distance from anyone you do not live with wherever possible.
University students are allowed to change their household temporarily once after 2 December to return home for Christmas. After that point they should comply with the social contact limits above as if their family home is their household. This will not affect any support bubble arrangements their family home is part of. Where available, students should take advantage of a free test from their university before departing.
Schools
In schools and colleges where year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults (staff and visitors) and pupils when moving around indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Read the guidance for teachers, school leaders, carers and parents on education and childcare.
Childcare
There are several ways that parents and carers can continue to access childcare in tier 3. You can get childcare support from:
registered childcare providers
professional childcare providers in the home such as nannies (read guidance on working safely in other people’s homes)
other supervised activities provided for young people (including anyone who was under 18 on 31 August 2020) – including wraparound care, youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups
people in a childcare bubble – parents are able to form a childcare bubble with one other household for the purposes of informal childcare, where the child is 13 or under
people in a support bubble – some households will also be able to benefit from being in a support bubble
Friends or family who do not live with you and are not part of a support or childcare bubble must not visit your home to help with childcare. Childcare bubbles are to be used to provide childcare only, and not for the purposes of different households mixing where they are otherwise not allowed to do so. Read guidance on making and using a childcare bubble.
Visiting relatives in care homes
Visits to care homes can take place with arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, and window visits. Regular testing will be offered to up to two family members or friends per resident by Christmas, which – when combined with other infection-control measures such as PPE – will support indoor visits with physical contact. Detailed guidance will be published shortly.
Travel
You can continue to travel within your area for reasons such as:
travelling to venues that are open
for work
for education
to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
because of caring responsibilities
for moving home
to visit your support bubble
to receive medical treatment
You should avoid travelling outside your area and reduce the number of journeys you make wherever possible.
Walk or cycle where you can and plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Where that is not possible and you need to travel.
Avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble.
You must not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Travelling into or out of a Tier 3 alert level area
Avoid travelling outside your area, including for overnight stays, other than where necessary, such as:
for work
for education
to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
because of caring responsibilities
for moving home
to visit your support bubble
for a medical appointment or treatment
Where necessary, you can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.
If you live in a Tier 3 area, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area. You must not stay with anyone you do not live with elsewhere in the UK or visit their home (unless you share a support bubble).
Overnight stays
If you are travelling, you should only do so alone or with members of your household or support bubble, and should follow the safer transport guidance.
If you live in a Tier 3 area, you should avoid staying overnight outside of your area other other than where necessary, such as:
for work
for education
because of caring responsibilities
to visit your support bubble
for moving home
to access voluntary, charitable or youth services
for a medical appointment or treatment
If you live elsewhere, you should avoid staying overnight in a Tier 3 area other than for this type of reason.
This means you should not leave a Tier 3 alert level area to stay in a second home.
You must not stay with anyone you do not live with from a Tier 3 alert level area, or visit their home, unless you share a support bubble.
In a Tier 3, you should avoid travelling outside of your area. If you do need to travel abroad see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice for your destination and the travel corridors list.
When travelling, it is important that you respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where your intended activities there would be prohibited by legislation passed by the relevant devolved administration.
During the Christmas period (23 to 27 December) different rules on travel will apply.
Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals must only take place in COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.
You can have up to:
15 people for wedding or civil partnership ceremonies – but receptions are not permitted
30 people for funerals
15 people for wakes or linked ceremonial events (such as stone-settings) before or after the funeral
The limits above are the maximum number for all attendees at the event, for example at a wedding or civil partnership ceremony to include the couple and guests. Anyone working at a wedding, civil partnership ceremony, funeral or linked ceremonial event is not included in the limit. Within these larger gatherings, social distancing should still be followed between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
Read the guidance on small marriages and civil partnerships and managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.
Places of worship
You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship.
Sport and physical activity
In line with guidance from sporting national governing bodies, you can take part in organised sport and physical activity outdoors with any number of people. However, you should avoid contact in training and, for some sports, avoid contact in all activities.
Gyms and sports facilities will be open for individual exercise and exercise in single households or support bubbles only. Indoor group activities and exercise classes should not take place.
You can continue to do unlimited exercise alone, or in an outdoor public place in groups up to 6.
There are exceptions for the following, which can take place in any number:
disability sport
sports as part of the curriculum in education
supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s (including those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020)
Moving home
You can still move home.
Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If you’re looking to move home, you can go to property viewings. Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.
If you break the rules
The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).
You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-17--Bosses want £41m of government cash for five huge Oldham infrastructure projects

Bosses are bidding for £41m of government cash to fund five huge infrastructure projects including the relocation of Tommyfield Market and a new space for Oldham Coliseum .
The Oldham Town Deal Board has submitted plans to secure the funding as part of the government ’ s Towns Fund .
The five key projects have been developed as part of the Town Investment Plan for Oldham , which is made up from representatives from the public and private sector .
Bosses say the chosen plans will ‘ accelerate change across the town centre ’ .
They include the Northern Roots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s largest ‘ urban farm ’ and eco park developed in Oldham .
It would be based on 160 acres of green space in Snipe Clough , just south of the town centre , and could see activities ranging from market gardening to music festivals , forest schools to woodland weddings .
Bosses are asking for £8m which would support the cost of enabling works and access routes , the construction of key infrastructure including a visitor centre , education centre , market garden and mountain biking hub .
They are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network ’ whereby water from flooded coal mines beneath the town would be converted into energy to create an environmentally friendly power source .
If the request for £4m of funding for this project is granted , it will support the drilling of two boreholes and feasibility testing for the energy project .
The relocation of Tommyfield Market is also included as one of the schemes that bosses hope could get a slice of the government funding pot .
The council wants to move the market from its existing site into Spindles Town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchased by the authority at a cost of £9.5m .
Now chiefs are asking for £7m from government which will ‘ facilitate ’ the relocation of traders from Henshaw Street into the shopping centre .
As part of the plans for Spindles , they are also proposing to create the first ‘ Grade A ’ office accommodation for the town centre within the shopping centre .
This will ‘ diversify the space into a thriving economic and social hub ’ with increased levels of footfall , according to bosses .
This proposal will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the aim is to create contemporary office space that will appeal to ‘ new entrepreneurs and growing sectors like creative design and media ’ to deliver new jobs for local people .
It has also been revealed that they are bidding for £16m of cash from the Towns Fund to support the creation of a new ‘ flexible performance space ’ in the town centre .
It was announced in 2018 that plans for a state-of-the-art purpose built new theatre for Oldham had been scrapped by the council .
The proposals would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , which would be used by ‘ local arts and culture providers ’ including Oldham Coliseum .
The space would be set within a redeveloped Old Post Office and former Quaker Meeting House , with both buildings being retained as part of the project .
Peter Holbrook , chair of the Oldham Town Deal Board and chief executive of Social Enterprise UK , said : “ The Town Investment Plan demonstrates that there is no shortage of ambition and aspiration in Oldham .
“ The Town Deal Board formed last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our aim was always for Oldham to be a place where business and enterprise can thrive and where people will want to live , visit , relax and work .
“ The pandemic has underlined the importance of this vision and the projects identified will be crucial in helping the borough to rebuild and recover.
” The Towns Fund is a £3.6 billion government fund which aims to support regeneration projects in towns which have a proud industrial and economic heritage but have not always benefited from economic growth in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among 101 towns selected to submit a bid .
The investment plan will be followed by a detailed business plan for the projects .
Council leader Sean Fielding said : “ The Towns Fund is all about levelling up places like Oldham .
“ The pandemic has widened this gap so this national investment will make a real difference to creating jobs , opportunities and growth when it ’ s needed more than ever .
“ We ’ ve identified some really exciting projects which will put Oldham on the map and pave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our town .
”

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Bosses are bidding for £41m of government cash to fund five huge infrastructure projects including the relocation of Tommyfield Market and a new space for Oldham Coliseum.
The Oldham Town Deal Board has submitted plans to secure the funding as part of the government’s Towns Fund.
The five key projects have been developed as part of the Town Investment Plan for Oldham, which is made up from representatives from the public and private sector.
Bosses say the chosen plans will ‘accelerate change across the town centre’.
They include the Northern Roots project, which would see the UK’s largest ‘urban farm’ and eco park developed in Oldham.
It would be based on 160 acres of green space in Snipe Clough, just south of the town centre, and could see activities ranging from market gardening to music festivals, forest schools to woodland weddings.
Bosses are asking for £8m which would support the cost of enabling works and access routes, the construction of key infrastructure including a visitor centre, education centre, market garden and mountain biking hub.
They are also proposing to create a ‘minewater heat network’ whereby water from flooded coal mines beneath the town would be converted into energy to create an environmentally friendly power source.
(Image: LDRS/Creative Commons)
If the request for £4m of funding for this project is granted, it will support the drilling of two boreholes and feasibility testing for the energy project.
The relocation of Tommyfield Market is also included as one of the schemes that bosses hope could get a slice of the government funding pot.
The council wants to move the market from its existing site into Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, which was recently purchased by the authority at a cost of £9.5m.
Now chiefs are asking for £7m from government which will ‘facilitate’ the relocation of traders from Henshaw Street into the shopping centre.
As part of the plans for Spindles, they are also proposing to create the first ‘Grade A’ office accommodation for the town centre within the shopping centre.
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
This will ‘diversify the space into a thriving economic and social hub’ with increased levels of footfall, according to bosses.
This proposal will need £6m from the Towns Fund, and the aim is to create contemporary office space that will appeal to ‘new entrepreneurs and growing sectors like creative design and media’ to deliver new jobs for local people.
It has also been revealed that they are bidding for £16m of cash from the Towns Fund to support the creation of a new ‘flexible performance space’ in the town centre.
It was announced in 2018 that plans for a state-of-the-art purpose built new theatre for Oldham had been scrapped by the council.
The proposals would see a performance space based on Union Street, which would be used by ‘local arts and culture providers’ including Oldham Coliseum.
(Image: Rochdale Observer)
The space would be set within a redeveloped Old Post Office and former Quaker Meeting House, with both buildings being retained as part of the project.
Peter Holbrook, chair of the Oldham Town Deal Board and chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said: “The Town Investment Plan demonstrates that there is no shortage of ambition and aspiration in Oldham.
“The Town Deal Board formed last year, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and our aim was always for Oldham to be a place where business and enterprise can thrive and where people will want to live, visit, relax and work.
“The pandemic has underlined the importance of this vision and the projects identified will be crucial in helping the borough to rebuild and recover.”
The Towns Fund is a £3.6 billion government fund which aims to support regeneration projects in towns which have a proud industrial and economic heritage but have not always benefited from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.
Oldham is among 101 towns selected to submit a bid. The investment plan will be followed by a detailed business plan for the projects.
Council leader Sean Fielding said: “The Towns Fund is all about levelling up places like Oldham.
“The pandemic has widened this gap so this national investment will make a real difference to creating jobs, opportunities and growth when it’s needed more than ever.
“We’ve identified some really exciting projects which will put Oldham on the map and pave the way for a brighter future for our town.”