'We won’t hesitate to use COVID powers to stop spread of virus' vows Calderdale chief executive

Partners will not hesitate to use powers to enforce COVID-19 restrictions to help prevent spread of the virus in Calderdale, health chiefs have said.
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Members of Calderdale Health and Wellbeing Board members were updated on the pandemic situation in the borough.

Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham said the restrictions came from the centre and engaging with people and informing them about regulations, as well as giving guidance, was important in order to help reduce infections.

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But enforcement measures would also be used if the council and its partners, including West Yorkshire Police, had to, he said.

Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive Robin TuddenhamCalderdale Council’s Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham
Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham

“If necessary we will take action and make use of powers given to us.

“We will take action to to protect and safeguard the health of the community.

“Ultimately, the health and wellbeing of our communities is our priority,” he said.

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Local restrictions are considered periodically with a formal review on August 19, said Mr Tuddenham.

Coun Ashley Evans (Lib Dem, Warley) said members of the public – and some publicans – had voiced concerns about how many pubs were not operating in a COVID-safe way and not enough was being done about it.

There was a need to be seen to be making licensed premises safe places and not let some flout rules to the detriment of others.

“I would urge as much action as possible,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Richard Whitehead, of Calderdale division of West Yorkshire Police, said visits to licensees had been “wholeheartedly robust”.

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Naming and shaming was not being done yet – but partners were not adverse to doing that.

Mr Tuddenham said if Coun Evans had concerns about any specific premises the public could get in touch with the council. There had not only been issues with public houses or restaurants, the council was speaking to two other sites where there had been real issues.

Action was being taken by the council and its partners.

“Most of the premises have repeated visits and are saying ‘oh no, not another visit.’

“We are out there and we are very visible,” he said.

Board members felt message clarity was an issue.

Healthwatch chief officer Helen Hunter said people were being asked to do something they did not want to do in order to protect themselves.

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She had spoken to someone who asked why they could not go and see their mother but could go to a public house and use toilets used by other people.

It might be useful to promote the outcome which was sought rather than just concentrating on the rules.

Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town), said: “Some of the national messaging does conflict with what we are seeing locally.

“We are not talking about getting back to normal but finding ways of living with this for an unspecified but significant length of time.”

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