FREE PARKING EXTENDED

Erewash Borough Council will delay the new car parking fees that were due to be implemented on 1 April until 1 September 2020 when the position will be reviewed. The decision to delay the charges has been taken to assist people who may be collecting items in Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres on behalf of vulnerable people that may be in self-isolation due to the coronavirus.  The new charges were designed to encourage people to stay in the towns for longer and this would clearly be inappropriate in the current circumstances.  Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, and Councillor Dan Pitt, Lead Member for Town Centres at Erewash Borough Council, say:

“We realise that this is a difficult time for everyone so we are trying to make it easier for Erewash residents to help vulnerable people in the community. The hour of free parking will remain in place until further notice so that people can help those who may be self-isolating by picking up any items from the town centres that they may need.”

The council’s website will be updated with any changes to services as a result of the coronavirus -  erewash.gov.uk/serviceupdates. There will be no change to parking charges at Long Eaton Railway Station commuter car park.

NEW PUB RESTRICTIONS

Further to yesterday’s post about pubs still being able to serve alcohol on a strict takeaway basis, we would like to make people aware of a further change. As you know, the Prime Minister last night announced restrictions on movement across the UK in order to stem the spread of coronavirus among the population. Those tightened restrictions now mean that pubs can no longer serve alcohol even on a takeaway basis. Pubs can only remain serving food on a takeaway basis and only if they have a restaurant facility as food has been classified by the Government as the essential item – not alcohol. Restaurants and cafes can continue to serve takeaway food only.

We know that the vast majority of pub managers and licensees across Derbyshire are already abiding by the Government sanctions in the wake of COVID-19 and we would like to thank them. We are also aware that some pubs have continued to open and our licensing teams, together with local authorities, are already gathering information about them. Those who flout the regulations may face unlimited fines and the potential revocation of their license further down the line. This post is a reminder to people that unless they are included in a very specific list of businesses that can still operate, they must close.

That list can be found here, along with any exemptions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close?utm_source=77e9a975-dcba-4146-b1f9-d36e8d01465f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

We also want to reassure the public that we are taking their reports seriously.

By taking this action and abiding by the social restrictions instigated by the Government, we can all try and stop the further spread of the coronavirus. Please stay home, and help us save countless lives together.

COVID 19

You will be aware that, as of 8.30pm last night, further measures have been put in place across the country to limit the movement of people, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The new directions from the Prime Minister are that you may only leave your house for:
• shopping for basic necessities;
• one form of exercise a day;
• any medical need;
• travelling to and from work when “absolutely necessary.”
People are warned that:
• They should not meet friends or family members who they do not live with
• Shopping is only permitted for essentials like food and medicine, and people are advised to do it “as little as you can.”
Officers will disperse groups of more than two people who do not live in the same household, but we would anticipate that the vast majority of people will follow these new directions.
These are unprecedented steps for our county, region and country and we would urge everyone to help protect themselves, their families and the whole nation, by following the direction of the Prime Minister.
For further detail on these restrictions, see the Government’s guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

REASSURANCE FOR PEOPLE ACROSS EREWASH

 Government sets out £350 billion package to support businesses in wake of Coronavirus outbreak

People across Erewash are being given reassurance in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak as the government sets out a £330 billion package of loans and guarantees to support businesses and a further £20 billion for business rates relief and grants. The measure is part of the Government’s ongoing response to Covid-19 to help support the economy. Local MP Maggie Throup said:

“We need to get behind businesses at this difficult time, so I am pleased that these measures have been put in place to support them.”

As well as business support, it is vital that people are made aware of the Government’s health message, which is designed to save lives and minimise suffering.  Maggie added:

“Healthwise, it’s so important that people stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel. This advice is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.  As the Prime Minister said, combating this virus will require a huge national effort. We must do all we can to save lives, protect our NHS and keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”

As part of the measures the Government has advised that people should work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues, such as gathering with families and friends outside their own home. If anyone finds they have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, then they should stay at home for fourteen days. That means that if possible, you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies. Maggie went on to say:

“It is vital that people carry on taking certain measures, such as hand washing. The advice from the NHS is that wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds and if soap and water is not available, use hand sanitiser gel.  You should also always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Simple advice, but advice which can save lives. I know these are difficult times and everyone is worried, but I would like to reassure people here in Erewash that the Government is doing everything it can to keep everyone healthy and financially secure.”

CANAAN TRUST SLEEP OUT

Recognising the issue of the Coronavirus pandemic the Trust has come to the decision that it would be prudent to POSTPONE the Sleep Out scheduled to take place in a few weeks’ time on 17th April. The decision is taken in the public interest and the interests of so many kind and caring supporters who had signed up to undertake the Sleep Out during this the Trust's 25th Anniversary. It is hoped that the Sleep Out may be held later in the year when the coronavirus crisis is over.

Like for many individuals and families the impact of this crisis will potentially be financial as well as physical. The Trust has historically benefited financially from the Sleep Out to the tune of between £15,000 and £20,000. The loss of this funding will be significant as the calls on the Trust's help and support during the crisis is likely to continue to increase.Please watch out for further information in due course.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up and has been busy raising sponsorship. The Trust is grateful for your support. Thank you for caring!

Kevin Curtis - Project Manager