‘It will be hard on all of us - but let’s do our bit’

Local politicians, business leaders and community stalwarts have issued a rallying cry of encouragement to residents in light of the new national lockdown measures.
Councillor Craig LeylandCouncillor Craig Leyland
Councillor Craig Leyland

As reported on our website at the weekend, new coronavirus restrictions will be imposed across England from tomorrow (Thursday), full details of which can be found on the top right hand side of this page.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on Saturday evening, the leader of ELDC, Coun Craig Leyland, has encouraged residents to do their bit to help control the spread of the virus, while invoking the same ‘community spirit’ that was shown during the first national lockdown.

Coun Leyland said: “Since we exited the national lockdown earlier in the year, residents across the district have shown a fantastic spirit in following the rules set out by Government, helping to control the spread of the virus.

Gary DennissGary Denniss
Gary Denniss

“As we now prepare for this latest phase of restrictions to come into effect from Thursday, I have no doubt that residents will show that same level of community spirit once again.

“It is natural, at a time such as this, that you will have questions and no doubt feel a sense of unease about what the coming four weeks will look like.

“As a Council, we will work closely with our partners to ensure that those who need help throughout this time have access to the support they require.

“We will also do all we can to ensure that any impact on the day-to-day services we 
provide is minimised.”

Paul Hugill at The Priory Hotel. EMN-200311-101458001Paul Hugill at The Priory Hotel. EMN-200311-101458001
Paul Hugill at The Priory Hotel. EMN-200311-101458001

He continued: “I recognise that coming to terms with these new restrictions, after months of a return to something close to normality, will be hard on all of us but I would ask all our residents to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new rules and follow them once they come into effect from Thursday. “If we come together as we did during the Spring, I know that we can do our bit to restrict the spread of the virus and hopefully return to a level 
of normality in December.”

Gary Denniss, the chair of the Louth Independent Traders group, admitted the second lockdown would be ‘very difficult’ for businesses, but sounded a note of cautious optimism for the future.

Mr Denniss said: “The second lockdown is not good for business but we have to get on with it. People I have spoken with think we can come back stronger and a lot are going for ‘click and collect’, so that should help a bit but we will have to see.

“It’s a very difficult time for business at the moment, and hopefully it won’t last longer than the second of December.”

Meanwhile Paul Hugill, who runs the Neighbour’s Kitchen scheme from the Priory Hotel, confirmed that he and his volunteers will continue.

He said: “The combination of winter, Covid, and financial uncertainty puts people at risk.

“Rather than panic buying, if people just put an extra item in their basket for a stranger you would be surprised what a difference it would make.”

He added: “As a community, if we all roll up our sleeves up and all play a part we can make sure that as a community we come through this stronger and more connected.”

You can drop off donated clothing and non-perishable food at the Priory Hotel, to be distributed to those in need.

• The latest information and advice for residents and businesses is available at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/coronavirus and https://magnavitae.org/inthistogether

Residents in need of advice or support to stay at home safely can call 01522 782189 or visiting www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-services

• If a resident have been told by the NHS to self-isolate, either because they have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, they may be entitled to a £500 Test & Trace Support Payment.

ELDC has also implemented a local discretionary scheme for people who do not meet the main criteria but are facing financial hardship as a result of self-isolating. More information on the eligibility, application and FAQs is available at: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/testandtracesupport