Town traffic restrictions extended
HACT bus news
THOUROUGHFARE AND BRIDGE STREET ROAD CLOSURE – MONDAY TO SATURDAY -10AM – 2PM IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY 20th JULY, 2020
The road closure will be in effect from Monday 20th July and will initially be for a 21-day period, with the option to extend for a further 21-day period. The Town Council in consultation with the businesses and residents will assess the effectiveness of the closure at the end of each period. Thereafter, the option to extend the road closure for up to 18 months, will need to be considered.
The road will be closed at the beginning of the existing semi-pedestrian area, i.e. where the current restrictions start, opposite ‘Rehability’. There will be a gatekeeper in place and no vehicles will be able to drive down the Thoroughfare between the hours of 10am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday, unless they hold a permit. Sundays will be the exception but the current restrictions will still apply.
There is bound to be some teething problems but it is hoped that overall, it will be a success and will be welcomed by the majority of residents, visitors and businesses.
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.
INFORMATION FOR HALESWORTH AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Local Response information: Halesworth Town Council in conjunction with the Volunteer Centre, the Blyth Valley Team Ministry, District and County Councillors and other community groups in the Town are working towards a co-ordinated approach in Halesworth to the COVID 19 virus. We are initially looking to organise volunteer help to ensure that all people in the Town who may be vulnerable or self-isolating have the help they need to obtain food shopping and medical prescriptions. We will publish further details on this website, Twitter and Facebook very soon.
The Volunteer Centre will be coordinating the response for Halesworth and the surrounding villages
Emma Healey - Centre Manager - Halesworth Volunteer Centre
01986 875600 or covid@halesworthvc.co.uk
We will be posting more information about how the coordinated response will help those in need soon.
The Government has issued further general information on the link below
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Staying at home advice https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
If you think you may have symptoms please go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
95 year old Derek Newby's new book is available now from Halesworth Book Shop £9.99
Proceeds to local causes.
The Museum also stocks his other book and other titles by local authors here
The nominations are now open for this award. The forms can be found on this website here. There are also paper forms available from the library and the Council Offices.