Tier 3 measures are a blow to Blackpool's tourism industry - but leaders given no choice

But today’s announcement was a huge blow to the resort’s hospitality industry just as hoteliers were gearing up for a busy weekend.

Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, said the announcement just before lunchtime had “caused chaos” among hoteliers.

She said: “Many guests have already set off to come to Blackpool by lunchtime on a Friday – but what can they expect when they arrive?

“StayBlackpool has been taking calls from hoteliers across the town who have questions about whether the attractions will stay open, the Illuminations and the trams. All the things visitors come for.

“Our members all want to do the right thing for their guests, but we should have been given some breathing space to plan for it.”

Blackpool Council leader Coun Lynn Williams said the tougher measures, which mean when pubs call time at 10pm tonight it signals a shutdown for at least four weeks, were “hugely regrettable”.

She said: “This is not what I wanted for Blackpool. We had no option but to ultimately agree this. Had we not done so we would have been placed in tier three with no money and no support measures.”

Blackpool’s attractions can stay open, and people living within Lancashire can still travel to the resort, with those outside the county advised not to although there are no legally enforceable travel restrictions in place.

The Illuminations will continue to stay on until the beginning of January after being extended this year.

A deal struck with Government gives Lancashire £12m for enhanced public health measures including test and trace, and £30m to support all businesses impacted by the move.

Blackpool hopes to receive £5m of the £30m.

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton said beneficiaries would include hoteliers whose trade would be hit by the guidance telling people not to travel, although they are not forced to close.

He said: “I’m pleased a final decision has now been made as discussions have been going on all week and the lack of certainty has proved very unhelpful.

“The local infection rates are rising and government has made the decision this is the most appropriate way to protect people’s health.”

The restrictions will be in place for 28 days before they are reviewed.

But health chiefs have warned a return to normal will not happen “any time soon” and without a vaccine in place.

A joint statement from Lancashire’s directors of public health including Dr Arif Rajpura, of Blackpool Council, said: “We are at a very dangerous phase of the pandemic.

“Infection rates are going up across Lancashire, hospitals are getting busier and people are quite frankly sick of coronavirus and just want life to return to normal.

“That’s something we all want, but we have to level with you – it isn’t happening any time soon.

“All of our lives have been affected by coronavirus and will continue to be so until we have a vaccine. Now that Lancashire has entered tier three the next month is critical to getting the virus under control.”

Coun Williams added: “We could have turned this deal down, but more businesses would have suffered as a result of it and we would have been put into tier three soon anyway.

“The health of our residents is of upmost importance. Along with the financial support package this deal also means that we have secured additional fast testing capacity which will be used to protect the most vulnerable in our town.

” We will also get a local test, trace and isolate package, which will really help us limit the transmission in Lancashire. We will get £12m across Lancashire to support this and additional enforcement necessary.

“No leader wants to see their town, its people, its businesses and its economy under such measures but that is now the reality of the situation and we will do everything we can to support our residents through this extremely challenging time.

“I know everyone is tired and frankly sick of this situation, but what is clear is this virus is not going away, and until we have a vaccine we need to all pull together to try to limit its damage on our lives.

“What I can assure you is we lobbied government hard, and we will continue to do so to make sure that our businesses, economy and the people of Blackpool are getting the financial support they need and deserve.”

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, said: “I’m sure we’re all disappointed we are now in tier three but recognise the gravity of the situation and public health has to come first.

“I hope the business support package is generous enough to assist businesses, not just those who are closed but those who will lose trade.

“I would have preferred if the Fylde coast could have been treated separately but the Government has chosen not to.

“That’s a battle we have fought and lost. Currently our infection rates are lower than other parts of the county, yet we are facing the same restrictions, and that’s a fact.”

Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Conservatives on Blackpool Council, said “This is still not good news for pubs and bars etc who will have to close for 28 days, or the hundreds of entertainers and musicians who have had very little work since the pandemic started.

“People must now be extra vigilant and abide by the increased regulations so that we can all do our bit in getting Blackpool back to its vibrant old self.”

From 00.01 on Saturday

People must not socialise with anybody they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events

People must not socialise in a group of more than six in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue

All pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals

People should try to avoid travelling outside the very-high alert level or entering a very-high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey

Residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the Very High Alert area

In addition from 00.01 on Monday

The adult gaming industry, casinos, bingo halls, bookmakers and betting shops, and soft play areas must close.

Car boot sales would not be permitted