Week Ahead: Tier system returns as Leeds United face opposition fans again

FEARS FOR TIERS

The second national lockdown comes to an end this week, but most people in Yorkshire will not notice a great deal of difference as the tier system returns from Wednesday and puts the majority of the region under the harshest level of restrictions.

Only York and North Yorkshire have escaped Tier 3, with those areas heading into Tier 2. But the rest of the region will be in Tier 3, meaning a ban on households mixing, except in limited circumstances such as parks where up to six people will be able to meet.

Bars and restaurants will be limited to takeaway or delivery services and people will be advised to avoid travelling outside their area. However, gyms, non-essential shops and hairdressers are among the businesses that are able to reopen in all tiers.

The tiers will be reviewed on December 16 but experts have warned that people must continue to face restrictions ahead of the UK-wide easing of measures over Christmas.

FOOTBALL FANS RETURN

One consequence of the end of the national lockdown is the return of limited numbers of football fans in Tier 2 areas.

While Leeds United supporters aren’t yet allowed back to Elland Road due to the city being in Tier 3, the club will be among the first Premier League teams to play in front of fans again as they take on Chelsea in London on Saturday night, where 2,000 home supporters will be in attendance.

Harrogate Town will be able to welcome fans back to their home games from next week but the remaining Yorkshire league clubs are currently barred from having fans in the ground.  

CAR SALES STALL

Further grim news is expected for the motor industry this Friday as the latest monthly figures for new car sales are published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It comes after it was revealed last week that the number of cars being built in the UK fell by almost a fifth in October compared to the same month last year.

The SMMT said the impact of coronavirus and fresh lockdowns in the UK and overseas subdued demand for new cars in many key markets - particularly the EU and the US.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “These figures are yet more bad news for an industry battered by Covid, Brexit and, now, the unprecedented challenge of a complete shift to electrified vehicles in under a decade.”

The SMMT has warned that in the event of leaving the EU without a trade deal, car production losses could cost as much as £55.4 billion over the next five years.

FLOODING DEBATE

Environment secretary George Eustice will face questions over the Government’s approach to dealing with flooding in England on Thursday.

He is scheduled to appear in front of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, whose members include York Outer MP Julian Sturdy.

Mr Eustice will be joined by Local Government Minister Lord Greenhalgh and Defra flooding risk management deputy director David Cooper in taking questions.

TREE TIME

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is being lit up on Thursday in London - with officials hoping it will get a kinder reception than last year’s effort.

Last year’s tree - given by Norway to Britain in line with an annual tradition dating back to 1947 to express thanks for support in the Second World War - was variously branded “anaemic” and “sparse” by social media users, with one asking, “Who upset Norway then?”

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