PM SLACKENS THE BRAKES IN ANOTHER MOVE TOWARDS 'SIGNIFICANT NORMALITY'

EMPLOYERS TO GET MORE DISCRETION AND COURAGING NOISES ON GRASSROOTS SPORT

BORIS Johnson has today made an announcement that signals more easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Of course people across Atherstone and North Warwickshire, and indeed the whole UK, have had to make radical changes to their lives since the pandemic began in March.

Bedworth railway station may well be seeing an increase in footfall as the official advice on using public transport has changed immediately.

Previously trains and buses were meant to be for essential journeys only, however from Friday this ruling is to be scrapped opening up the network once more.

Face coverings are still mandatory however.

The work-from-home guidance is being scrapped on August 1 as people are encouraged to return to the office.

In today's Downing Street briefing the Prime Minister said: "Instead of government telling people to work from home, we are going to give employers more discretion, and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely.

He explained that could mean "continuing to work from home, which is one way of working safely and which has worked for many employers and employees".

With indoor gyms, pools and other sports facilities reopening from July 25, the PM said that August 1 most remaining leisure settings, such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, and close-contact services such as beauticians, could resume.

However, soft play areas and nightclubs will remain closed beyond that date.

Sports stadiums and conferences may be reopened in October as well providing there are no large outbreaks.

At the moment that looks as though it will mean cheering on the big Midlands football and rugby clubs after months away.

But it will mean fans agreeing to a new code of behaviour that includes not attending if they potentially have symptoms of coronavirus or have been exposed to a person who has tested positive; social distancing must be observed in seating arrangements; and crowd management plans should be in place, including the controlled entry and exit of fans and one-way systems.

Pilot tests will begin as early almost straight away with a view to having fans in stadiums as soon as possible.

Sports like football and cricket have resumed behind closed doors after the Covid-19 lockdown.

Now the plan is to pilot larger gatherings in venues like sports stadiums with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.

The first pilot projects will be held at a county cricket friendly matches between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on July 26-27, the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre from July 31, and the Goodwood horse racing festival starting the next day on August 1.

Meanwhile, there may be better news for Atherstone Town CFC as the Football Association is hoping to give the clearance for grassroots football to be played as early as next weekend.

FA bosses are believed to be signing off on their proposals submitted to the Government for all 11-a-side matches to return.

The Adders have not played since March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister hopes that the country will have returned to "significant normality" by Christmas.