CORONAVIRUS: Boston Council leader in call to arms on virus fight

Coun Paul Skinner said virus meant people were “facing one of the toughest times in our history, which will live in most people’s memories forever”.

“I am calling on everyone to play their part in protecting our residents and ourselves from the spread of this awful virus,” he said.

“We are doing all we can to ensure council services continue as best they can, particularly services for those who need us more than ever.

“Our council staff are incredible and we need to keep them safe and healthy if they are to continue to provide priority services to those who need it most at this time. We are enabling those who can work from home to do so – although for many roles it is essential to be on site.”

Many businesses, including shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes are set to be hit hard, although the Government has pledged a huge pot of money to try and alleviate the impact on the economy and business owners and workers.

Coun Skinner said: “Our business community is the lifeblood of our town and it is vital that local businesses, particularly smaller businesses that are especially vulnerable, are given the help they need to survive this.

“So we’ve already issued Government advice for businesses on our website www.mybostonuk.com/coronavirus. A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, nursery providers and leisure businesses in England has been announced.”

Coun Skinner stressed that the council’s top priority was to support the NHS and local Public Health teams.

“We are committed to ensuring that residents get advice that is in line with Public Health England’s guidance,” he said.

“Whether it’s advising business on what Government help there is out there for them, giving advice about service disruptions, or signposting information for concerned residents – we will act in conjunction always with Public Health England.”

Coun Skinnner’s statement in full

“The Borough of Boston is such an amazing place and I am so proud of everyone who lives here. We are now facing one of the toughest times in our history, which will live in most people’s memories forever. I am calling on everyone to play their part in protecting our residents and ourselves from the spread of this awful virus.

We are already seeing so much effort being taken and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.

We are doing all we can to ensure council services continue as best they can, particularly services for those who need us more than ever. Our council staff are incredible and we need to keep them safe and healthy if they are to continue to provide priority services to those who need it most at this time. We are enabling those who can work from home to do so – although for many roles it is essential to be on site.

Some services will be affected by our need to protect everyone, so please do bear with us. In particular, please follow social distancing advice. Our website offers a wide range of services online, do check this before calling us.

The council’s top priority is to support the NHS and local Public Health teams. We are committed to ensuring that residents get advice that is in line with Public Health England’s guidance. Whether it’s advising business on what Government help there is out there for them, giving advice about service disruptions, or signposting information for concerned residents – we will act in conjunction always with Public Health England. Visit the NHS website for their latest information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Our business community is the lifeblood of our town and it is vital that local businesses, particularly smaller businesses that are especially vulnerable, are given the help they need to survive this. So we’ve already issued Government advice for businesses on our website www.mybostonuk.com/coronavirus. A 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, nursery providers and leisure businesses in England has been announced.

We are working with lots of other organisations who are putting themselves on the frontline including health care workers, retail workers, and teachers and at present the National Health Service (NHS) are contacting all those at higher risk by telephone or letter over the next few days.

Therefore, I ask you please to:

Remember the importance of social distancing and hygiene.

Rely on volunteers to ensure our vulnerable people are cared for.

Check on your relatives, neighbours and friends.

Please DO NOT flush anything other than toilet roll.

Please try to think of others and the jobs they do for you.

Please double bag waste if needed too.

Our website and social media channels are updated daily so please follow these to make sure you are up-to-date with all news from Your Council.

Leader of the Council

Cllr Paul Skinner”