Horncastle gears up for lockdown

Horncastle is ready to tackle a second Covid-19 lockdown thanks to a fantastic community spirit backed by an army of volunteers.
The Horncastle Support Team.The Horncastle Support Team.
The Horncastle Support Team.

That’s the message from the Horncastle Support Team who have issued a rallying call ahead of the lockdown tomorrow (Thursday), declaring: ‘We will not let Covid beat us!’

The support team - run entirely by volunteers - says it has been overwhelmed by more than 700 offers of help from local individuals, organisations and businesses.

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That’s led the team to declare the Horncastle area is much better prepared than it was for the first lockdown in March.

A spokesperson said: “We are lucky to live in a great town and we are positive we will come through this really well.

“No-one had heard of the word lockdown ( in March) but thanks to a fantastic response from right across the community we are a lot better prepared.

“No-one needs to be alone. No-one needs to go without food or shelter.

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“The town will come together - as it always does - and we will get through this together.”

The support team - backed by the town council - has brought together people from all walks of life.

It works closely with other town organisations - including the Food Larder.

The main feature of the project is a website which offers help, support and guidance to anyone in need.

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The website also feature a section for businesses and organisations who are offering help from food deliveries to telephone hotlines.

The support team has already received calls from people worried about the coming weeks.

The spokesperson added: “Sometimes, it is just a matter of hearing a friendly voice at the other end of the phone.

“Sometimes, it’s to point people in the right direction so they can get help and advice.

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“Sometimes, it’s about arranging for a food parcel or prescription to be delivered.

“Friends, families, neighbours - they’re already working to help each other and we are sure that spirit will continue to grow.”

The lockdown will add to the pressure on many businesses which were showing signs of recovering.

The already struggling hospitality industry will be especially hard hit with pubs and restaurants forced to close down.

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The News spoke to a number of businesses who are frantically putting together measures to see them through the next four weeks - including takeaway and delivery services.

While supermarkets and food outlets are among the shops that can remain open, many independent retailers will have to close.

Some - but not all - can fall back to on-line businesses, some of which were set up during the first lockdown.

Yesterday (Tuesday) town centre businesses were attempting to come together and organise a light night shopping event tonight (Wednesday).

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Some events have already had to be cancelled including all Remembrance Day services this Sunday.

Tonight’s town bonfire - organised by the Lions - was cancelled some time ago.

While the area has escaped the worst of the pandemic, the impact of Covid is still being felt.

A number of local schools have reported positive test results although all remain open.

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Horncastle Town FC called off senior games last weekend because several players had tested positive.

All amateur sport has been called off while gyms and swimming pools are among the leisure venues told to close, along with attractions like the Horncastle Wildlife Park.

People can still leave home to exercise - including in local parks.

Church services are not allowed.

Some businesses will have to lay-off staff but the Government has confirmed the furlough scheme will be extended.

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There are also a range of support services available from Lincolnshire County Council and East Lindsey District Council.

•You can contact the support team in the following ways

•www.supportteam.horncastletowncouncil.co.uk;

•by phone - 07599 023501

•Facebook - Horncastle Support Team

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