AS Tier 3 fear looms over Bradford and West Yorkshire, Telegraph & Argus readers have been sharing their views on the possibility of the district being moved to the 'very high' level. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons yesterday afternoon that talks were planned for this week.

He said: "Following the successful introduction of measures in Liverpool and Lancashire, talks are continuing this afternoon, led by the Communities Secretary, with Greater Manchester.

"This week further discussions are planned with South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, the North East and Teesside.

"Sadly over the weekend, we have seen very directly the direct impact of this disease."

Bradford Council could not confirm whether, or when, any meetings are scheduled to take place.

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said in a statement on Friday that discussions with central government had not yet included any talk of moving into Tier 3 restrictions. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Andy Holdsworth said: "These lockdowns and restrictions are doing more harm than good we must never have another lockdown the last one was a disaster."

While Joanna Maria Pazos Stead said: "Why bother. We live in a society of ignorant & selfish individuals who don't care about anyone else but themselves.

"The more they ignore the rules the worse it's going to get & in turn others suffer due to their arrogance. It will never end.. It will become worse before it gets any better now that Winter is upon us."

Stacey Petcher said: "Needs to be done! People need to start understanding the reality of what's going on!"

Margaret Evans added: "I think we need it."

And Steven Bentley said: "The reason for a full lockdown is to try get the stupid people to act responsibly. No one wants it but it may be the only way to control stupid and we all know how contagious stupid is..."

Others spoke of their fear of what would happen to business and employment if Tier 3 restrictions are brought in. 

Charlene Green said: "This whole situation is making me poorly, not the virus. My husband works in hospitality..we don't know whether we can pay our bills if Tier 3 comes in. Yes I agree the virus is bad but surely people jobs, income and livelihood matter too..."

Samantha Amy Woodrup said it is a waste of time and added: "If we keep messing about like this it could take years to control it. Let nature be nature. Shield the vulnerable if they want to be shielded but let everyone else get on with life... Protecting jobs and health issues from other illnesses."

While Zeeshan Khan said: "If it’s a choice, restrictions over a lockdown."

Across the Pennines, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said it was “provocative” of the Government to tell local leaders they have until midday on Tuesday to agree to Tier 3 restrictions or face unilateral Government action.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The late-night ultimatum briefed to the media was a slightly provocative move … but I’m going to try to be positive and respond, and see if we can find a way forward.”

Mr Burnham continued: “The letter is odd in that it is both an ultimatum but it references potential additional support that could be given to us.

“The thing is we’ve never been given a figure for that additional support.

“What I’ll be proposing to the Greater Manchester leaders when we meet this morning, quite early, is that we write to the Government setting out what we think a fair figure is for that support, given we’ve been under restrictions for three months and that has taken a real toll on people and businesses here.

“The second thing we would need is full flexibility to support the people that we think are going to need to be supported in a Tier 3 lockdown.”