THE COUNCIL leader has reminded residents that support is available for anyone in need following Saturday's Tier 4 announcement.

Responding to the government's U-Turn on Christmas restrictions, with areas previously in Tier 3 plunged into tighter rules, including Reading and the rest of Berkshire, Reading Borough Council (RBC) leader Jason Brock has responded to the news and given advice to locals.

READ MORE: What is Tier 4, which areas are in it and what are the rules?

He said: "I know these changes will inevitably cause further anxiety for residents and businesses in Reading and this news will come as a huge disappointment to everyone excited at the prospect of Christmas and seeing friends and family.

"I personally feel this frustration too and my thoughts are with you all.

"Those in Tier 4 cannot mix indoors with anyone not from their household – so we can no longer mix with anyone outside our own household at Christmas - although support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation."

Cllr Brock also reminded the town of other changes to be aware of, including:

  • The closure of non-essential businesses. This includes all non-essential retail, along with hairdressers, nail bars, indoor gyms and leisure facilities
  • People must stay at home, unless travelling to work, for education, for childcare or in an emergency
  • People can exercise outdoors and can meet with one other person outdoors in an open public space
  • International travel is now banned unless for work purposes

Cllr Brock added: "We will update you will more details in the coming days, including updates on how Tier 4 will affect our services.

"I'd like to remind everyone of the support available from the One Reading Community Hub to help anyone in need with accessing specialist services, such as urgent food needs or other issues such as debt, loneliness, stress and anxiety.

"Details of the financial support available for local businesses affected by the restrictions is also available on our website.

"We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and to move Reading out of the Tier 4 restrictions as soon as possible.

"The restrictions will be reviewed by government after two weeks, but this means there will be no relaxation on December 31, so people will need to follow the rules as we enter the New Year.

"The council were not consulted at all in advance of these changes and there are doubtless many particular questions that residents may have where government still needs to issue detailed guidance and clarification around.

READ MORE: PM Boris Johnson places South East in new 'Tier 4' Lockdown

"I hope such guidance will be forthcoming in short order, and I am especially keen to impress upon ministers the need for further financial support to be made available to businesses in Reading.

"We know our town has responded magnificently to previous lockdowns and restrictions and I have no doubt that the town will come together to do the right thing for Reading again."