Contact Council leaders call on Secretary of State to ”hand over test and trace’
Council leaders call on Secretary of State to ”hand over test and trace’
The Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council has written to Matt Hancock MP, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with an impassioned plea to put the responsibility for the test and trace in the hands of East Sussex health agencies and provide the funding they need to deliver a service that will “keep our communities safe.”
The letter from Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council, follows widespread reports from directors of public health about the lack of capacity, delays and associated problems. Last week the Director of Public Health for East Sussex, Darrell Gale, explained how he was offered a Covid test over 600 miles away in Inverness, Scotland.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson said: “Our community in Lewes, like many others across the UK, is continuing to see a large surge in cases of coronavirus. The forecasts for infections are worrying, given that we are now fast approaching a second lockdown it’s even more important that government uses this time in the coming weeks to save lives and not put communities and families at risk of further heartbreak and grief.
“I firmly believe that the Secretary of State should hand over test and trace to professionals with the local knowledge and expertise that will keep our communities safe, backed up by the funding that will make it possible. Matt Hancock needs to do this during lockdown, otherwise the coming weeks will achieve less than it could and we will face a longer time where businesses cannot function and people’s mental health will be severely affected.
“The current arrangements continue to lurch from one shambles to another and it has to stop.”
Councillor Nicholson wants to see the testing regime expanded and targeted so that everyone with symptoms can get a test this winter.
Councillor James MacCleary added: “Local government and regional public health protection teams have been doing a tremendous job since the first outbreak of coronavirus in the UK, in large part because of their intimate understanding of the areas they cover. There is no doubt that they are best placed to deliver contract tracing most effectively.”
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Council approves plan for a carbon neutral Eastbourne
Cabinet councillors last night (November 4) agreed a strategy and action plan to deliver its goal of making the town carbon neutral by 2030.
In July 2019, Eastbourne Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency and has committed to doing everything possible to reduce carbon emissions in the borough to net zero by 10 years’ time.
The Borough Carbon Baseline is the measure of carbon dioxide emissions within the town’s boundary from energy used for heating, power and transport. As of 2017, the most recent year for which there is complete data, this figure was 296.7 kilo tonnes C02 (ktC02).
Council emissions, based on its directly controllable consumption of gas, electricity and fuel, count for around 1% of the overall footprint for the borough.
Councillor Jonathan Dow, Cabinet member for Climate Change, said: “We, as a town and a council, have started on a very important journey to become more sustainable through changes to people’s lifestyles and the way the council operates.
“During the first lockdown, as difficult as that experience was, we began to see changes start to happen – improved air quality, an appreciation of carless streets and renewed interest in cycling and walking.
“There should be no return to business as usual. Now we must work together to build upon these positive developments and this excellent strategy shows we will achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.”
Council activities include decarbonising all Eastbourne Homes housing stock by 2030; decarbonising council vehicles by this date; buying renewable electricity and reducing its energy consumption; tree planting and nature projects, and undertaking a public consultation to engage residents in recycling more and producing less waste.
The council will produce an annual progress report detailing the council and borough carbon footprints.
Councillor Dow added: “Thank you to all those who contributed to developing this strategy, in particular the Climate Change Strategic Panel and Eastbourne Eco Action Network.”
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In line with government guidelines for the new national lockdown, Medway Council’s sports centres are now closed.
Unless further measures are announced, we will re-open Medway Park, Strood and Hoo Sports Centres when lockdown ends in line with the latest government guidelines, continuing to adhere to the stringent safety measures we have in place to keep customers and staff safe.
Splashes in Rainham will remain closed while it undergoes a £5 million refurbishment programme.
During lockdown, our staff will continue to support Medway Council’s coronavirus response and support local residents wherever needed.
We will schedule another deep clean of our facilities and deliver further staff training to maintain the current high standards within our centres.
Although we’re really sad to be saying a second farewell to you all this year, keep an eye posted on our social media accounts @medwaysport as we’ll be offering an online workout ideas and some exclusive virtual class content for our members to help you stay fit and healthy during lockdown – you can still #WorkoutWithUs.
Take care and stay safe.
#MedwayTogether
What this means…
Gym memberships
All memberships will be frozen automatically during the lockdown period. Existing credit will be carried forward to the next scheduled monthly direct debit date after we re-open.
All annual memberships and admission passes will automatically have the end dates extended by the length of the closure period.
No refunds will be made for memberships. If members decide to cancel their direct debit, they can re-start at the current prices when we re-open. All membership details and prices can be found here
Swimming lessons
The current swimming lesson programme has run for seven of the planned 13-week term.
Unless the guidance changes and closure measures are extended, we plan to resume lessons on Thursday, 3 December until Sunday, 20 December. The outstanding weeks of the term will then be completed through January.
The next term of swimming lessons would then begin in February 2021, with existing customers getting priority for re-enrolment.
We will credit any pre-paid sessions until next term.
Block bookings
Clubs, partner organisations and regular block bookings will all be cancelled. Any pre-paid sessions will be credited to customer accounts.
In line with government advice, professional athletes can request access to our training facilities during lockdown. Please email [email protected]
Play your part now: Follow the rules to keep Medway safe
Following the latest government guidance, a national lockdown for England starts today (Thursday, 5 November)until Wednesday, 2 December to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Check the government website for full details on the restrictions.
We all now need to play our part to keep each other safe, including our friends and family. By doing so, we can reduce the risk of more cases and save lives.
Protect Medway. We will get through this together by following the national rules during this lockdown.
Explore Essex: Important Lockdown Updates for Visitors
As you will be aware following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement, a national lockdown in England will be in effect from Thursday 5 November.
This will include new national restrictions for everyone, however we’re pleased to confirm that the Essex Country Parks will remain open for residents to enjoy safely and sensibly. Read on to find out more about what the lockdown means for our green spaces and heritage places.
Essex Country Parks to remain open in lockdown
We are pleased to confirm that all Essex Country Parks will remain open during the lockdown. The parks, car parks, children’s play equipment and toilets will remain open, with cafés continuing to offer a takeaway service where possible.
We would ask that all visitors using the Essex Country Parks follow government guidelines including only visiting with your household, support bubble or 1 person from another household and ensuring you practice social distancing.
We anticipate that the parks will be busy and so ask you to use your judgment in relation to your visit, for example considering the time and the park you choose to visit, so that everyone can enjoy these green spaces safely.
We are pleased to confirm that the outdoor spaces at Cressing Temple Barns, including the grounds and restored Tudor Walled Garden, will remain open for the benefit of local communities during the national lockdown.
Very limited toilet facilities will be available onsite. Other indoor spaces including Tiptree tea rooms and the barns will be closed in-line with government guidance.
We would ask that you follow official guidelines including only visiting with the people you live with, your support bubble, or 1 person from another household. Check our website FAQs and plan your visit in advance.
Unfortunatley all weddings and viewings at Cressing Temple Barns are suspended in-line with government guidance, all couples will be contacted directly to discuss making new arrangements.
Anyone with a booking due to take place during lockdown will be contacted directly, please bear with us as we are currently receiving high volumes of enquires.
Stay connected on social media for news and updates @essexoutdoors
The Essex Record Office is to close during lockdown – with certificate service available online
The Essex Record Office intends to close to the public from Thursday 5 November and all weddings have been suspended in-line with government guidance.
This closure includes the searchroom and physical building, however during this period you will still be able to access many remote services including ordering Birth, Marriage and Death certificates.
For full details of the services available please check the ERO website.
The Essex Record Office works to preserve and keep secure the archives of Essex for generations to come. Keep connected on social media @EssexRecordOffice @essexarchive
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Most of us try to do the right thing by recycling where we can. But many things can end up in the wrong bin, especially at Christmas when our waste increases by around 30%. If a recycling bin is contaminated with enough items that can’t be recycled – the whole thing may not be collected. To make sure your rubbish ends up in the right place this Christmas, here’s our handy guide:
We will collect your real Christmas trees for recycling
If you bought a real tree this Christmas, please be sure to recycle it in our separate Christmas tree collection during the fortnight commencing 18 January 2021. You can also check your collection dates and updates at canterbury.gov.uk/recycling.
Some wrapping paper can be recycled
We would love to recycle your wrapping paper in your red bin or paper insert, but just make sure it doesn’t contain metallic or laminated coatings, decorations, glitter or sticky tape.
Turn your food waste into compost using your grey caddy
You can recycle your leftover festive food and peelings by putting them in your grey food caddy. Once collected, they will be turned into nutrient rich compost or gas and agricultural fertiliser. You can also get creative with your leftovers using delicious recipes from lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes
Recycle your Christmas cards and boxes
After Christmas, you can recycle cards in your red bin or insert – just make sure there’s no glitter, ribbons, sticky tape or foil. If you’ve ordered gifts online, remember to also recycle your cardboard boxes. These can be torn and flattened before being put in your red bin or insert to save space.
Please DO NOT put these in your household recycling bins
Tinsel, baubles and artificial decorations
Fairy lights (please recycle these at your local household waste recycling centre)
Batteries (please recycle at your local supermarket or household recycling centre)
Plastic and wooden toys (please donate or rehome instead)
Paper plates, napkins and disposable cutlery
You can also find out more about recycling, download your bin calendar and full Christmas collection dates by going to canterbury.gov.uk/recycling.
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Service updates (COVID-19) from Canterbury City Council
Covid lockdown service updates
Below is the current situation with many of our key service as of midday on Thursday 5 November:
Park and ride service
Services will stop at the end of tomorrow (Friday 6 November). We will close Sturry Road and Wincheap completely. New Dover Road will stay open for parking only, at a charge of 50p a day, for people who want to walk or cycle into the city.
Car parking
From Saturday (7 November), we will offer all day parking for £3.50 at Castle Street multi storey car park. This is to help essential workers who have to come into Canterbury, and exactly replicates the same all day value offered by park and ride.
The current free parking arrangements in our non-ANPR car parks for NHS staff and care key workers are continuing. Please continue to display the usual notice in your windscreen.
Bin collections
These are continuing as scheduled. We are working closely with Serco to monitor staffing numbers. In the event that we have major disruption, we will prioritise residual waste collections.
Public toilets
These will stay open for now, although this is dependent on staff from our contractor Monitor still being available to open, close and clean them.
Play areas and parks
These are also staying open in line with government guidance.
Work with rough sleepers
On this occasion, we have no ‘instruction’ to care for rough sleepers during the lockdown, but of course we intend to do so. We are currently looking at the service we can provide, both in the lockdown period and across winter generally. That may include using some hotel provision, but more information will follow on this shortly.
Business grants
We are working with emerging guidance from the government on support for businesses during the lockdown. It seems likely that the same categories of grants will be made available (through us) to businesses, but with slightly different criteria. We will receive funding to do this from government, and our job will be to get that funding to businesses as soon as possible – but that will depend on getting the guidance and funding as quickly as possible.
Community support service
Local residents who need extra help will be directed to the now well-established Kent Together 24-hour phone line (03000 41 92 92). This keeps things simple for the public, avoiding duplication and confusion. However, we will keep a close eye on demand for this service from our residents and will be ready to respond if any additional local services are required. At this point, we will not be reintroducing the community hub at Kingsmead.
Venues
Our museums and other local venues such as the King’s Hall are closed in line with government guidance.
Wincheap bootfair
This is now suspended.
Markets
We believe that the early guidance allows markets to stay active if they are selling essential goods – but we need to see detailed guidance on that.
Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre
The centre is now closed and digital sessions will take place with young people instead.
Herne Bay bandstand
This is now closed.
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New community minibus thanks to council’s CIL funding
Lewes District Council has awarded nearly £70,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funding to a community transport charity to pay for a new minibus.
Councillor Adrian Ross, Chair of Lewes District Council, visited the CTLA charity at its Newhaven base to see the new minibus and find out more about its work.
He said: “CTLA provides a fantastic transport service for local people who don’t have access to private vehicles and find it difficult to use public transport.
“I’m delighted we have been able to support this award-winning charity through CIL funding as it is reliant on money from the public or through grants such as this to continue operating.”
CIL is a charge that councils can make on new developments in their area to raise money towards local projects.
Gina Bickerstaff, CTLA fundraising manager, said: “CTLA are extremely grateful for the CIL funding that assisted with the purchase of the new vehicle. It is funds like this that allow our frontline services to continue to assist the local community and afar. Our Dial-A-Ride services provide essential travel to many individuals and assist in the fight against social isolation and to reduce loneliness.
“We provide transport for many schools, transporting young people to enjoy and fulfil their daily routine. CTLA are proud to support those who are in need of our vital assistance especially at this current time.
“By providing an essential shopping and prescription collection service, should anyone require assistance, please do contact CTLA and one of our customer service advisors who will be happy to help. The charity sector has suffered a huge loss from the impact of Covid-19 as many of our fundraising streams have been dissolved.
“Donations are always gratefully received to assist the charity – please see our media channels for ways in which to give your support.”
CIL funding is shared between strategic, local and community initiatives. To date, in Lewes district £2.4 million has been allocated to strategic projects, £420,000 to local projects and £190,000 to community projects.
For further information on CIL and whether you may be eligible to apply for funds, please contact [email protected]
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Limited library services will be available during a second nationwide lockdown, East Sussex County Council has confirmed.
The latest restrictions, designed to slow the spread of Covid-19, will mean that all 17 of the county’s library buildings will be closed for general use from Thursday, November 5.
However, from Monday, November 9, customers will be able to order books from the library catalogue via the website or by calling the team and pick them up from the front entrance of their local library.
Those needing to use library computers to access essential services such as universal credit and internet banking, will be able to do so from Monday by pre booking a session on 0345 60 80 196.
Customers can continue to access a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines, as well as information through East Sussex’s eLibrary.
The Home Library Service, which has continued to provide books to those who are particularly vulnerable throughout the pandemic, will also remain in operation.
Nick Skelton, East Sussex County Council’s Assistant Director for Communities, said: “Whilst we appreciate how disappointing further temporary reductions to our library services are, it’s vital that we do everything we can to slow the spread of Covid-19, keep our vulnerable residents safe and protect the NHS.
“We are pleased to be able to continue to offer some key services and have put in place measures to ensure that residents and staff are kept as safe as possible.”
From Monday, all 17 libraries will continue to operate limited services within the current reduced opening hours and services will be kept under constant review to ensure they are being delivered in the safest way possible.
More information about library services, opening hour and restrictions, is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries or by calling 0345 60 80 196.
Kent County Council (KCC) is supporting a new urgent campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and how to find help and support.
In response to unprecedented challenges faced by domestic abuse services during the Covid-19 pandemic, KCC commissioned the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS) partnership, which consists of Clarion Housing Group, Look Ahead, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service and Victim Support to create and launch Domestic Abuse: It’s Everybody’s Business, a suite of free virtual events aimed at businesses, community groups and individuals to educate, inform and inspire action across the county in a bid to ensure more victims are identified and can find safety quickly and easily.
Taking place from 25 November to 10 December 2020, the events will coincide with the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, and will enable attendees to know about, understand and act against this destructive social issue.
The pick and mix programme of 16 free online events can be accessed from anywhere, at times to suit varying schedules. From first introductions to professional development with CPD accreditation for social sector professionals, there is something for every knowledge level and expertise. Sessions are as short as 15 minutes and a maximum of 75 minutes.
Over 2 million people a year in England and Wales experience domestic abuse, with 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experiencing this during their lifetime. Two women a week are murdered by their current or ex-partner and one in seven (14.2%) children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point. Domestic abuse also affects businesses, causing employees to take unplanned time off work and decreased productivity, costing UK businesses approximately £1.9bn a year.
Lockdown, social distancing and social restrictions heighten the risk for victims. Kent Police saw a 12% increase in Domestic Abuse related crime reports from March to July this year, compared to 2019 and the Kent domestic abuse services have seen an increase in accepted referrals. Victims’ lives depend on the ability to connect with routes to safety. As more and more people work from home, employers have an even greater duty to care for their staff, as abuse may be harder to identify than when employees were coming into an office or work environment, By everybody making it their business to know, see and speak out, more victims across Kent and Medway can find safety.
Clair Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“We have put support for victims who are suffering from domestic abuse front and centre of our Covid-19 response strategy. The Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service has been working tirelessly to support those affected by domestic abuse during the COVID pandemic, ensuring that services are available to those affected. They have brought together this important programme of free events to increase awareness of the experiences of those affected by the issue.
We are committed to the safeguarding of victims and ensuring that they have access to support and routes to safety, as well as continuous safety planning, in every district of the county. We work collectively with Kent Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the NHS, GP surgeries, health centres, districts pharmacies and supermarkets across the area to ensure a coordinated and widespread support structure is available. This new virtual conference will make it easy for anyone and everyone to access information, learn about the strategy and what we can do to support services and work together to eradicate this terrible crime.”
KIDAS partners said:
“There’s never been a time when understanding, recognising and taking action against domestic abuse has been more needed, especially with a second national lockdown. Our services have all reacted swiftly to the crisis, transforming the way we work to support survivors remotely and rising to the challenge of being available to those who seek help, some for the first time, in the most challenging of circumstances.
As we all continue to face restrictions to our daily lives and feel the very real effects of the pandemic, home is a very dangerous place for those experiencing abuse and recognising signs something is wrong becomes harder. But it needs ALL of us to be knowledgeable, be vigilant and be willing to speak out and up for victims. It’s the only way we can reach those suffering in Kent and Medway.”
For further information about Domestic Abuse: It’s Everybody’s Business and KIDAS and for interview availability: please contact Bryony Bishop [email protected] or KCC, Justine Wingate, [email protected]
Anyone experiencing abuse can still access the right services – lockdown rules do not apply if someone needs to leave their home to escape abuse. Refuge services continue to offer emergency space for victims and support is available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, get help now:
For emergencies, call the police on 999 (if you can’t speak, cough or tap the handset then press 55 on your phone – the police will know it’s an emergency). In a non-emergency situation, you can call Kent police on 101.
For 24-hour support contact the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000247.
For non-emergency support and safety planning call Kent & Medway Victim Support on 0808 16 89 111 / email [email protected] or use live chat bit.ly/VS-livechat if it is safe to do so.
#DAEverybodysBusiness #KnowSeeSpeakOut
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Food voucher scheme launched for adult college learners
A new support project for students at Southend Adult Community College will see free food and drink made available for any student that may be struggling during the pandemic.
The ‘T4U’ scheme will allow any students, members of the public, staff or businesses to buy a drink, snack, sandwich or hot meal for someone in need whilst purchasing their own in the college’s café. The additional purchase will then be listed on a post-it note and placed on the ‘T4U’ board. These notes will act as vouchers for any student at the college in need to use whilst they’re studying at the college.
The project was thought up by a member of the colleges’ Learner Services Team, Alex Cox, and was launched today (Monday 2 November), at an event attended by The Worshipful The Mayor, Cllr John Lamb.
Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “Throughout this year, we have seen the true spirit of the public, with various groups and organisations pulling together to help provide food and other support for those who may be struggling due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The T4U scheme is yet another example of the selfless commitment Southend residents have to supporting our most vulnerable people. I applaud Alex for bringing this idea forward and I hope that people are able to support this project.”
Ros Parker, principal for Southend Adult Community College, said: “We are not looking for proof of need. If you are in need then we are here to help, and this discreet service is available to all of our learners.
“Throughout lockdown, we provided 4,500 meals for the homeless and our most vulnerable students, with a strong team of college volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare and deliver wellbeing packages to the community. We simply do not want to see any of our students hungry this winter. We are a community college and our community will always be our priority.”
The college café is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 2pm.
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Gym memberships
Swimming lessons
Block bookings
Play your part now: Follow the rules to keep Medway safe
Essex Country Parks to remain open in lockdown
Open spaces at Cressing Temple Barns
The Essex Record Office is to close during lockdown – with certificate service available online
We would love to recycle your wrapping paper in your red bin or paper insert, but just make sure it doesn’t contain metallic or laminated coatings, decorations, glitter or sticky tape.
