Louth and Mablethorpe mayors urge residents to remain positive during national lockdown

Coun Hobson said: “This year has been a challenging one for so many in our community for so many reasons. We have endured hardships such as not being able to see family members and friends or spend time with them in the way that we would ordinarily have taken for granted.

“For many, there have, and continue to be, difficulties whether they be financial, emotional or physical.

“One thing that has continually heartened me as Mayor of Louth is the way in which so many in our area have pulled together for the greater good.

“As we head into the second lockdown period of the year, I have high hopes that as a community we can continue to work together to make sure that everyone in our society has the support that they need. We must keep working together throughout this month and beyond and stick to the guidelines; not just for our own wellbeing but in order to keep our loved ones, friends and the rest of our town safe and healthy.

“It is vitally important that we follow the basics that have been reiterated to us throughout this year – maintaining social distancing when we are outside of our homes or support bubbles, ensuring compliance with face coverings and sustaining good hygiene, plus making sure that we both look after ourselves as well as checking on our friends, family and neighbours in a safe manner.

“In recent months it’s perhaps fair to say that ensuring good mental health has never been such a priority for many people. A simple act of kindness, a phone call asking someone how they are will go a long way to keeping spirits up in the weeks ahead. After all, no one knows what others might be going through and a little compassion could so easily make a difference to them.

“We have heard so much in recent weeks about the effects on our children and the most vulnerable in our society of not being able to feed and look after themselves through financial difficulties.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Louth to have a dedicated team of volunteers who do sterling work running the town’s community larder. They have seen unprecedented demand for assistance this year and stand by to help out those in our area who might need an extra helping hand in these difficult times.

“It’s understandable that you may feel a sense of unease or trepidation about the weeks ahead however I urge all of Louth’s residents to remain positive.

“We have a wonderful community in our town and by looking after each other, following the guidelines and supporting our fabulous local businesses wherever possible, I have full confidence that we will get through this latest challenge and be able to look forward to brighter times ahead.”

Coun Hobson also encourages local residents to use the following resources if in need of help or support:

• Louth Community Larder food bank (Monday to Friday 9am to 10am), call 01507 605803.

• Urgent health issues - call NHS 111

• Lincolnshire confidential mental health and emotional wellbeing helpline - call 0800 001 4331

• Lincolnshire County Council helpline - call 01522 782189

• ELDC Business Support - call 01507 601111 or visit www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/CVBusiness

• Louth Town Council (for coronavirus signposting and information) - visit www.louthtowncouncil.gov.uk

The Mayor of Mablethorpe and Sutton, Councillor Carl Tebbutt, shared similar sentiments to Coun Hobson in a statement released earlier this week.

Coun Tebbutt said: “During and following the national lockdown earlier in the year, residents and self-help groups in the parish have continued to show kindness and embraced ‘community spirit’ in response to the need of some of our most vulnerable residents.

“We must now prepare for the latest phase of restrictions and although this will affect some local business and have an impact on the local economy, I remain hopeful that resident’s goodwill and support for each other will continue.

“The Town Council continues to work closely with other authorities and local groups to ensure those needing help and assistance during the next few weeks will have access to the support they require.

“Plans are in place to avoid and minimise disruption and impact on the day-to-day services provided.

“We need to come together as a community as we did in March and during the period of lockdown and all play a key part in minimising the spread of the virus, this will hopefully allow us to return to an acceptable level of normality during December and allow us all to celebrate the festive period.

“This will be hard on all of us but I ask all residents to comply and follow the rules – together we are stronger. Regards and keep safe”.