The Conservative party leader of East Dunbartonshire Council has warned "long-term disaster" looms amid fears over his authority being placed on the highest level of the coronavirus restrictions system. 

Areas in the central belt have been warned they may be placed on tier four of the lockdown system after Deputy First Minister John Swinney warned the Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire health board areas it was "highly possible" that restrictions may need to be toughened. 

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Conservative joint leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Councillor Andrew
Polson has urged the Scottish Government to carefully consider the move as he warns the impact could be devastating for the local economy and people's livelihoods. 

He said: "I can confirm that I have been in contact with officials in the
Scottish government at the highest level about the possibility of our area
and that of Greater Glasgow going into the highest tier of restrictions. I
made my feelings perfectly clear and have urged severe caution."

"We understand harm one of the virus, which is clearly very important but
it appears that there is no real interest in the other three harms as per
the strategic framework.".

"The impact on the economy has already been seen and the long-term disaster
that looms for businesses and people's livelihoods is immeasurable.
Notwithstanding the follow on health implications both physically and
mentally."

Councillor Polson also raised concerns of uncertainty around the closure of schools and how this would affect children and parents in deprived areas. 

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He added: "Of course if it was a straightforward case of only having to deal with the virus itself we should consider increasing the restrictions, but the
strategic framework and reality, tells us that there are the other things
to take into consideration.

"It would appear officials are only paying lip
service to the other three harms and have not fully grasped the long term
ramifications of the lockdown restrictions.

"It is irresponsible of decision-makers not to take into account other
health harms, inequalities which affect those disadvantaged already, and
the severe economic damage that will impact on people losing their jobs and
livelihoods."