The Town Council are aware of the increased queues at the Post Office situated in the closed Coopers Hardware store.  As an essential service, Post Office is working hard to ensure that customers, especially the vulnerable and the elderly, can continue to access vital services while protecting their health and wellbeing along with that of postmasters and colleagues.

Please see below for a statement from the Post Office regarding the Halesworth branch.

In some cases, some Post Office branches may have to open on reduced trading hours because of the impact that the Covid-19 outbreak is having on staffing. This, unfortunately, is the case at Halesworth. We have been in regular contact with the Postmaster at Halesworth, who is also the Postmaster at Leiston. There are staffing issues at both branches, as some staff have childcare commitments, while others have received letters from the NHS to self-isolate as they are part of the at-risk group. We are attempting to source additional staff for branches to open the Halesworth for a further morning per week and we will update you further if and when we have been successful. We appreciate that the length of queues is not ideal; the Postmaster, however, is doing his best to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

HALESWORTH TOWN COUNCIL COVID 19 RELIEF SCHEME

Halesworth Town Council is concerned that the COVID-19 Virus emergency measures are causing serious financial hardship for some residents in Halesworth.

Although the Waveney Foodbank continues to provide wonderful support for those in need, the majority of the provisions are in the form of dry goods and tins. The Town Council has decided to compliment by providing fresh fruit, meat and vegetables through a voucher scheme in Halesworth with the help and support of some of our local shops.

This relief scheme is aimed at those who find themselves on very low income due to the current crisis. If you are a Halesworth resident and you need help please apply to the Town clerk on 01986 874517 or email clerk@halesworthtowncouncil.org.uk. The Office open hours are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays; 9am – 1pm. Vouchers will be issued dependent on the need and size of the family and only during the current lockdown measures.

The vouchers must be provided to the retailer either in person if you visit the shop, or exchanged on delivery (if this option is available).

There is a similar but separate scheme for the villages surrounding Halesworth supported by their own Parish Councils. This will be organised through the Blyth Valley Ministry (07771 556391).

East Suffolk Council has granted the Town Council an extension to comment on DC/20/1049/VOC Land South of Chediston Street, Halesworth until the 10th April.