James Evans, Conservative Senedd Candidate for Brecon & Radnorshire has welcomed the recent announcement on lockdown restrictions. However, there were winners and losers in the statement. The Welsh Government finally saw sense in allowing outdoor sport to reopen, after calls from both the Welsh Conservatives and Golf Wales and allowing people to socialise outdoors. However, the restrictions continue to be imposed on the hospitality industry and on indoor sport.
James Evans, Conservative Senedd Candidate for Brecon & Radnorshire said:
“I welcome the easing of restrictions and the return of some of our freedoms. However there were winners and losers in the statement from Welsh Government. It is a real mixed bag.
The comments that “we will not get back to normal in 2021” is a blow to many businesses throughout Brecon and Radnorshire. These negative comments will hurt our economic recovery. We need to see a clear plan from Welsh Government on when our hospitality and tourism sectors can open so businesses can plan for their futures. We need is hope and a clear plan for our recovery which does not cost lives, protects jobs and starts to rebuild our local economy.”
“It is difficult to understand how self catering accommodation is allowed to open in time for Easter, yet we are told to ‘stay local’. The guests staying at self-catering accommodation want to visit the local community – the pubs, the non essential shops – yet they all remain closed. Major supermarkets can sell non-essential items whilst non-essential shops remain closed. This is simply unfair. The Welsh Labour Government messaging is confusing and not consistent showing they have no clear plan”
Latest Public Health Wales figures issued on Thursday show that the infection rate across Wales is now 43 cases per 100,000 of population based on the seven days up to March 6, a slight increase on a figure of 42 reported on Wednesday but still well below the 50 cases figure the Welsh Government had previously highlighted as a key benchmark in its lockdown planning. Powys has seen low levels of infection throughout the pandemic yet residents and businesses have paid and continue to pay a high price for the lockdown restrictions.
