Localised Covid-19 lockdown in Leicester is being backed by Leicestershire’s civilian police chief

The new localised Covid-19 lockdown in Leicester is being backed by Leicestershire’s civilian police chief.

Lord Willy Bach, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "It's clear that this new lockdown is justified.

“Community safety is my top priority.

“Public health comes first - and I urge everyone to follow the guidelines to protect each other and save lives.”

But Lord Bach said they should have been much better informed with how the coronavirus crackdown was going to be imposed and where.

"As the first localised lockdown, we are the pathfinders. “Amazingly we were not even provided with a map of the area until well after the announcement.

“That has now been issued, but, unfortunately, we received minimal guidance regarding practical implementation at the time the measures were imposed,” said the former mayor of Lutterworth.

"I have a great deal of sympathy with the agencies charged with delivery.

“They needed clarity from the start, and I am astonished that it is being drip-fed as the day progresses.

"We wait to see what, if any, legislation will accompany support measures.

“From the enforcement side, I know that the police must wait to see what the Statutory Instrument will deliver.

"Leicestershire Police was applauded for the sensible way in which it policed the initial lockdown.

“This time will be no different.”

Lord Bach said police will continue to use the four Es - Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.

“But without additional legislation, enforcement powers are limited.

"We are in a rapidly-changing environment.

“Our local authorities and the public at large needs clear-cut information to navigate the next two weeks with confidence and to maximum effect,” said the ex-Harborough district councillor.

"Many people are going to be adversely affected, particularly the vulnerable and those at risk of abuse. “We will do our utmost to protect them.

“But the overall impact will be widespread with significant implications for all of us - socially, financially, professionally or for physical and mental health.

"I will work with the police to ensure that people have the support they need when they need it.

“I welcome the Health Secretary's assurance that extra resources will be made available.

“I will be pressing for these resources to be released as and when they are needed.

"It's also critical that up-to-date information is made available.

“This will provide a better understanding of what is happening and why - alongside the progress being made to control the virus.

“That, in turn, provides people to make informed judgements and decisions.

“Let us all hope that two weeks will be enough to contain the spread.

“I urge everyone to pull together once again to stay safe.

“It that means washing hands even more, avoiding all but essential travel, social distancing and postponing a visit to the barber’s, then so be it."