A WARNING has been issued to businesses thinking of defying lockdown this weekend for the so-called 'Great Reopening' on Saturday. 

The movement has gained some traction on social media, with Oakenshaw hairdresser Sinead Quinn indicating she may open her business, Quinn Blakey Hairdressing, on Saturday, despite racking up £17,000 in Fixed Penalty Notices from previous lockdown breaches. 

West Yorkshire Prepared, which brings together different agencies to help the region prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and major incidents, issued a statement from its co-chairs this afternoon strongly urging businesses not to take part. 

They warned action would be taken. 

They said: “We have been made aware of a campaign encouraging small businesses to open their doors this Saturday. We would like to remind everyone that under current restrictions, unless on the permitted business list, you must remain closed and we strongly urge our local business community not to engage with this campaign. If you do unlawfully open your shop or venue without reasonable excuse, action will be taken against you.

"The vast majority of the business community in West Yorkshire, along with most of the population, is adhering to the current restrictions and we sincerely thank everyone for their continued efforts in helping to reduce the spread of infection. It hasn’t been easy for anyone and we know there are many small businesses who have been severely affected by the pandemic and, in particular, this latest lockdown. Please remember there is financial support available through a number of business support schemes.

"Although cases of Covid-19 are falling, rates remain extremely high across the region and the rate of decline in some areas is slowing.

"Everyone needs to keep playing their part to help reduce the spread of infection and prevent the NHS becoming overwhelmed. The rollout of the vaccination programme will make a significant impact on the battle against Covid-19 but we must all continue to take responsibility for keeping ourselves, families and communities safe.”

Kirklees Council today said its staff would be out across the district this weekend "ensuring, local businesses are following national lockdown rules and helping to keep residents safe".

The Council said the team will also be making sure that any businesses that should be closed during lockdown, are not open in breach of the rules.

Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been an incredibly tough period for the majority of businesses, particularly during periods of lockdown. Local businesses are a crucial part of our economy and communities, and we are continuing to do everything possible to support them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We don’t want any local business to have to close or to operate under restrictions that ultimately impact their success. But public health has to be the number one priority and these rules have been put in place by Government to save lives, so it’s crucial we all take them seriously.

“I want to thank businesses across Kirklees for following the restrictions and doing everything you can to prevent the spread of the virus and keep people safe.

“We have a responsibility to make sure local businesses are complying to the restrictions in place and our officers will be out in our town centres to make sure they have all the information and support they need to do this.

“I urge anyone to contact us if you do know of a business that is not complying with lockdown rules or any other Covid-19 guidance. This is something we take very seriously and will take necessary action if we need to.

“I’m also urging people not to visit, or use, any business that is operating in breach of the lockdown rules. If you do, you are putting your own health, and your family’s, at risk and you could also be fined too.

“The best way we can all play our part is to stay at home. Only leave your home for essential reasons and for exercise and don’t mix with other households. Please remember that the basics – such as hand-washing, social-distancing, wearing a face covering and getting tested if you have symptoms – are still a key way we can reduce infections.”