Shops in one of Britain’s biggest out of town shopping centres have been forced to close again as a result of Leicester going back into lockdown.
Matt Hancock announced last night that non-essential shops and businesses in Leicester city centre were being closed to try and contain the spike.
Now it has emerged the lockdown boundary extends several miles beyond the city to Fosse Park shopping centre, near junction 21 of the M1.
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There are more than 25 shops in the precinct, which is currently in the middle of big expansion plans.
Historically Fosse Park is one of the 海角视频’s most successful shopping parks, with 11 million visitors a year.
The shopping park had slowly been getting back to some sort of normality in recent weeks, with queues still snaking around the big Primark store there as recently as last Friday.
A statement on the shopping centre website said: “Following government advice all of our stores are closed at Fosse Park except M&S, Boots and Superdug which remains open for essential items.
“Please check for opening hours and only visit Fosse Park if you need to pick up essential items and ensure you follow current government guidelines including those on social distancing such as maintaining a 2m distance wherever possible.
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“We continue to monitor the situation and Government’s public health guidance closely, and we will keep all of our visitors updated via our website and social media channels, as the situation evolves.”
Businesses affected include two Next stores, WH Smith, JD Sports, New Look and River Island.
Three essential stores that are remaining open for food and medical supplies there are Boot, M&S and Superdrug.
A new map released this morning shows how wide the lockdown is, affecting areas outside the city limits as far as Braunstone Town, Glenfield, Glen Parva, Leicester Forest East east of the M1, Thorpe Astley, Birstall, Thurmaston, Oadby, Wigston, Blaby and Narborough.
It comes as figures suggest the city has become a hotspot for the virus, with one in 10 海角视频 cases currently being reported there.
Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said the Government had offered financial support to help businesses in the city.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs last night difficult decisions had been taken to control the virus because the number of new cases was three times higher in Leicester than the next nearest city.
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Only essential travel will be allowed.
The leader of Leicestershire County Council Coun Nick Rushton said keeping residents safe was the priority.
He said: “Protecting residents is our main concern and we’re working closely with Leicester City Council and the Government to bring down the number of cases.
“Clearly coronavirus does not adhere to lines on a map. And although county rates are below the national and regional averages, we can’t be complacent and it makes sense to step up restrictions in areas closer to the city.
“This is the first localised lockdown on this scale and undoubtedly there will be issues to iron out.
"I understand this is disappointing news for residents, parents of schoolchildren and businesses when most of the country is opening back up but it’s crucial that people follow the latest advice. Observing social distancing, handwashing, wearing a face mask where required and getting tested if you have symptoms remain vital.
“Our actions play a key role in shaping what happens next and I encourage people to heed the advice and play their part in helping to save lives and livelihoods.”