THERE have been calls for Bradford to be moved down from Tier 3 restrictions to Tier 2 tomorrow when the tier system is looked at again by the Government.

The district is set to learn its fate at the first reassessment of the Government’s tier system for tackling Coronavirus tomorrow.

Bradford Council has asked to be moved into Tier 2, and Philip Davies supported moving the district into the less strict tier.

On December 2, Bradford along with the rest of West Yorkshire was placed under Tier 3 restrictions - the strictest set of rules - in order to try and bring infections down.

This meant while shops could reopen hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants had to remain closed, people are banned from meeting indoors or in private outdoor settings, and Bradford City fans were unable go to Valley Parade.

Other areas placed in the slightly more lenient Tier 2 were able to go out for a meal or to attend live sport, the cinema or theatre.

Like with many areas in Tier 3, particularly in West Yorkshire, the rate of infection in Bradford has dropped considerably in the last fortnight, while in many Tier 2 areas, particularly in London, infection rates have shot up.

Tomorrow the Government will announce if any changes to areas’ tiers will be made for the next two weeks, which will last until Wednesday, December 30, and it was revealed yesterday that the capital city will move to Tier 3 after a rise in Covid cases.

The infection rate in West Yorkshire currently stands at 161.7 infections per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 166.3 in the seven days to December 8, the most up-to-date, reliable figures.

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, has been a vocal critic of the use of lockdowns and restrictions on the economy throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

He believes it would be “absolutely right” for West Yorkshire to be moved into Tier 2.

“I’m not a big fan of the tiers as you know, but absolutely there’s no question about it,” Mr Davies said.

“If London can be in Tier 2 when it was first announced, we are in no worse of a position than they were and should be in Tier 2.

“Our rates were falling at the time and theirs were rising, and London is moving to Tier 3 first thing on Wednesday and quite rightly so.

“The rate in Bradford has fallen and in Shipley even lower still, so it would be completely unacceptable if we were kept in Tier 3.

“If it was right for them then its right for us now; I hope we will be treated the same and that’s the case I’ve been making and arguing for repeatedly.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, has requested the district be moved into Tier 2 to get Bradford's economy moving again and to protect against immediate and future health impacts.

She said: "We have asked if the whole district can be moved into Tier 2.

"However, the relaxations that Government has made around Christmas are a cause of concern for Public Health professionals which makes them cautious when recommending any further loosening of restrictions at this time.

“We understand this is not an easy decision for the Government to make. While we are relieved that infection rates overall in our district are coming down, we know from other regions how quickly the infection rates can rise again.

"Our hospitals are exhausted and still very busy from this second wave. No one wants to get back to that situation.

“On the other hand our district has been subject to restrictions for months and we, along with leaders across West Yorkshire, are deeply concerned about the impact that maintaining Very High restrictions will have both on the economy of our district, and on the wellbeing of many of our people.

"We have seen people lose livelihoods, families become isolated, and young people badly affected by the impact on both education and jobs.

"That inevitably will also lead to health impacts for many years to come. It’s for that reason that on balance we have asked to go into Tier 2 and made a case to do so.

“Whatever the decision they make, we would ask the Government takes the necessary step of providing the vital financial support and assistance with a recovery plan for our district to protect jobs and businesses at what is a critical time.

"We want those businesses that are allowed to open take every step possible to protect their customers and make sure they open safely in a COVID-secure way, and we ask every resident to do what you can to protect yourselves, your families and your community against the virus over this festive period.

"Remember Hands, Face, Space, and let’s think about those who are vulnerable during this time and do everything we can to keep them safe.”

Whatever happens on Wednesday, key workers have made a video asking people to continue to abide by the guidelines to keep infections down.

The video, from West Yorkshire Prepared - the county’s local resilience forum, features doctors, police, fire, binmen, road maintenance teams and teachers.

In the video, Dr James Thomas, clinical chair of Bradford District & Craven CCG, said: “I can only continue coming to work, seeing patients in surgery and in their homes and speaking to many on the phone, by staying healthy.

“Please continue to follow the guidelines and help me to help you. Let’s work together to protect ourselves and our families.”