Blackpool MPs respond to Boris Johnson's roadmap plans

Blackpool MPs Scott Benton and Paul Maynard

Boris Johnson announced yesterday the Government's plan to start lifting restrictions on March 8, starting with the reopening of schools and colleges.

From there, other sectors will be reopened and social distancing rules relaxed between five-week intervals. If infection rates remain stable, it is predicted that lockdown will be lifted completely by June 21.

Pubs, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs must wait until at least May before they can hope to fully reopen.

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys said: “Clarity over how we exit the lockdown with caution is welcome, even though I know that many in the hospitality sector locally will hope that if cases can fall faster and further to justify a more rapid reopening. These remain difficult times for the town economically, and we can’t afford to keep bouncing back and forth between lockdowns, as such uncertainty is damaging to confidence in the first place”.

Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South, said: “The Government’s handling of the vaccination process has been remarkable and in Blackpool the rollout of the vaccine has been exemplary with thousands of people already receiving their first jab in the town. For the tourism industry in my constituency this provides an opportunity to look forward towards operating in the Spring and Summer seasons.

“It is apparent that travel abroad will not be the same this summer and the result will be a rise in staycations. Blackpool has the chance to take advantage of this.

“A carefully managed reopening of businesses is required. Blackpool is the world’s greatest holiday resort and all of the elements of the resort are interlinked. It is imperative that hotels and visitor attractions are allowed to re-open at the same time. We cannot have a situation where hotels are technically allowed to open and financial support is removed, but the main tourist attractions are closed.

“We must continue to follow the evidence and protect everyone’s health, but it is crucial that tourism businesses open in tandem with hotels.”