THE leader of West Berkshire Council insists “there is nothing to suggest” that Tier 2 restrictions should be imposed on West Berkshire yet.

Councillor Lynne Doherty (Conservative) said there is currently “no justification” for extra measures in the district and the council has not held any talks with the government about moving into Tier 2.

Reading Borough Council has been involved in Tier 2 discussions, due to concerns about a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, and Cllr Jason Brock, the leader of that council, has said: “We cannot move the borough into Tier 2 without moving the whole Reading area, which includes West Berkshire.”

But Cllr Doherty has rejected this suggestion and pointed out that West Berkshire has just recorded the lowest seven-day infection rate (53 cases per 100,000) in Berkshire.

READ MORE: Reading Council in talks with government about further Covid restrictions

It is significantly lower than Reading’s, which stands at 90.2 cases per 100,000.

She also said West Berkshire has the lowest rate of positive tests (3.6 per cent) in the county and there is “no indication” that local hospitals cannot cope with current demand.

Government figures also show areas of West Berkshire which border Reading, such as Calcot, have not see a significant rise in cases in recent weeks.

Cllr Doherty said: “I think we’re going to be living with Covid for many months to come and I’ve got no desire to rush my residents up to Tier 2 where they wouldn’t be able to mix with family members or visit their loved ones in care homes.

“As and when we have to, we will of course, but there is nothing within the current numbers that indicates we should do that.

“I don’t see why people should have to live in greater restrictions for longer than need be.”

READ MORE: Royal Berks ‘nowhere near’ capacity despite Reading's Tier 2 talks

She added: “If there is justification, then I’ll have that conversation with central government, but at the moment, there is no justification.

“I’m also concerned about the impact of Tier 2, with families not being able to visit each other and the impact of social isolation on their mental health.”

People in West Berkshire are currently subject to medium alert (Tier 1) restrictions, including the rule of six and a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants.

But if the district moves into the high alert level (Tier 2), people from separate households will be banned from meeting and socialising indoors.