A cathedral has pulled plans to ring its bells to celebrate 'freedom day' after a huge backlash.
Chester Cathedral posted on twitter yesterday that it intended to ring its bells today to mark so-called 'freedom day' - with all covid restrictions being lifted in England today.
The government has removed all public health restrictions in the country today, despite concerns raised from scientists and health workers and soaring infection rates.
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The new rules mean that all social distancing rules will be removed and people will no longer have to wear masks in shops and public transport.
Yesterday Chester Cathedral tweeted: "To mark 'Freedom Day', the Cathedral bells will ring tomorrow between 1.30pm and 5pm today."
But the move did not go down well with many people, with thousands responding.
Royal Liverpool Hospital doctor Michael Goulden said: "I can think of a way to spend Freedom Day, come and have a look around the Intensive Care Unit in my hospital, the patients in there are not feeling particularly free. Maybe then you’ll delete your ridiculous tweet."
Another doctor, Rhodri Morgan-Smith, who is based at Warrington and Halton Trust, said: "I’m a Cestrian . Born in Chester , moved away to become a doctor . As a doctor I’m asking you NOT to celebrate this . It will not end well."
* Was the Cathedral right to not ring the bells? Tell us in the comments
It appears that the concerns and feedback hit home, with the cathedral's twitter account later posting that it had revised its plans.
A new tweet stated: "We thank you all for your feedback regarding an intention to ring the Cathedral bells tomorrow marking “Freedom Day”.
"We apologise sincerely for the insensitivity of this plan and for any upset cause. The bells will not ring tomorrow."
A third tweet added: "The Dean refused permission for the proposed Monday ringing to take place on hearing about it."
A large number of people thanks the cathedral for listening to feedback and changing its decision.
Prominent doctor and NHS campaigner Rachel Clarke said: "Thank you very much for reconsidering and for apologising. Much appreciated."
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