Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage raises concerns after her constituency is split between tier four and two

While the Gosport Borough Council area has been placed in tier four Ms Dinenage’s parliamentary constituency includes not just the town but Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head.

She said: ‘This latest tier decision is terrible news for local businesses and devastating for those who were looking forward to spending a few days over Christmas with loved ones after a hellish year.

‘I have spoken direct with government advisors to query the inconsistency of the local restrictions, which put three-quarters of my constituents in tier four and a quarter in tier two.’

With next-door Fareham also in tier two, Ms Dinenage has also raised concerns with Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner over the practicalities of enforcing the system with open gyms, restaurants and pubs within a short distance of higher tier residents.

The MP’s concerns follow on from the leader of Gosport Borough Council, councillor Mark Hook, also questioning the decision.

Cllr Hook said: ‘Gosport's infection rate is 144 per 100,000 so I can't understand why we have been moved into tier four when some of our neighbouring areas remain in tier two and I've asked the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to explain the decision.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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