Race decision under fire and cafes suffer

Organisers of Sleaford’s Half Marathon have come in for criticism after going ahead with the race on Sunday.
Sleaford Half Marathon and Fun Fun. Start of the half marathon. EMN-200317-115651001Sleaford Half Marathon and Fun Fun. Start of the half marathon. EMN-200317-115651001
Sleaford Half Marathon and Fun Fun. Start of the half marathon. EMN-200317-115651001

Kevin and Avril Taylor of Mount Lane, close to the route of the run, contacted The Standard as they felt this year’s event should not have been run at this time.

Mr Taylor said: “In the light of the current situation with coronavirus, when other sporting events have been cancelled or postponed, why has this one been allowed to take place?

“We feel the organisers are displaying a very irresponsible attitude. They have a duty of care and a responsibility to the local community.”

Bill Rayner of race organisers Sleaford Striders athletic club countered: “There was no government advice at that time not to proceed with an event of our size. It is my understanding in fact that one is more likely to contract the virus in a pub or club than running in the open air. We took every precaution possible to minimise the risk to anyone involved in the race both as a runner or volunteer including the use of extra sanitisers and gloves by anyone likely to come in contact with those involved in the race.”

A fifth case of coronavirus was confirmed in Lincolnshire on Monday morning. The number of COVID-19 cases in the UK had reached 1,543 by Monday and deaths stood at 55.

Elections for the Linclnshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s role on May 7 have been postponed for a year due to the outbreak.

The UK Government issued new advice on Monday, shaking business owners, in which it advised the public to avoid non essential travel and visiting pubs, restaurants and theatres.

Rocked by the news, owner of Tablez bistro Mesut Palabiyik said he needed more certainty on whether the government wants them to close, in order to plan ahead for his business.

He said: “It is already affecting us. We have had two people in for a coffee all morning who then left. We are a daytime restaurant not a takeaway.”

But he said delivering takeaway meals may be a short term option if arrangements can be made.

“We have to pay the rent and bills and staff. We are just waiting to see. We are going to have a meeting on what we are going to do.

“We could manage for up to a month, but I don’t think business rate relief will be enough.”

He said: “I have never experienced anything like it and have been in the business all my life - it’s scary but I’m sure the government has a plan.”