Coronavirus Update 4 August 2020

Following an increase in the infection rate of COVID-19, the Government announced last Friday that the further lockdown easement measures due to operate from 1st August have now been deferred for at least two weeks. Consequently, venues such as casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks remain closed, indoor performances in theatres and concert halls cannot be staged and close contact services in beauty salons cannot be performed. The relaxation allowing wedding receptions of up to 30 people was also cancelled although ceremonies can take place in line with COVID-Secure guidelines.

The staging of some “pilot” sports events such as snooker, cricket and horse racing last weekend -with a limited number of the public present as a possible prelude to allowing spectators to attend venues again - had to be held behind closed doors instead and there is now some doubt as to whether the target date of 1st October for a return of spectators to stadiums and other venues will be met.

Please also note that with effect from 8th August, Face Coverings, already mandatory on public transport, in shops, supermarkets, banks, building societies, post offices and national health settings will be required in more settings such as cinemas, museums, galleries, places of worship, libraries, community centres, nail, beauty and hair salons and barbers (other than where necessary to remove for treatment). For full details please see here.

Anyone with Coronavirus symptoms can now get a test whatever their age by using the NHS 111 online service or, if you cannot get help online, by calling 111. You must not go to a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT

A reminder that Monday 3rd August marked the start of the Eat Out To Help Out Scheme whereby on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August you can get 50% off your food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total value of £10 per person if you eat or drink in at participating establishments. No vouchers are required and you can use the scheme as many times as you like. The Government has launched a Restaurant Finder to enable you to locate a participating establishment within a 5 mile radius of any given postcode. For full details please see here.

The Find A Restaurant link can be found under Further Information at the foot of the publication – a quick check at the time of writing revealed 38 establishments within a 5 mile radius of Bury already signed up for the scheme. The Restaurant Finder page also contains a link enabling you to check which chain restaurants are participating. Advance booking is likely to be required at all venues.

VEHICLES REQUIRING AN MOT

As reported in one of our earlier Newsletters at the start of lockdown, MOTs due on cars, vans and motorcycles between 30th March 2020 and 31st July 2020 were extended by 6 months. This still remains the case but MOTs expiring on or after 1st August 2020 do not benefit from any extension and must be booked as normal.

MOTORBIKES UPDATE

In earlier updates we described the initiatives being taken by West Sussex Police via Operation Downsway to tackle the anti-social behaviour of bikers – a particular problem in Bury but also in other communities along the A29 and A272. Sussex Police committed to continue Operation Downsway throughout the summer and although they cannot be everywhere at all times, their deployment of camera vans, marked and unmarked police vehicles and roadside vehicle stops has certainly led to our being able to enjoy a number of quieter weekends.

We also described previously how Bury Parish Council were working with police, county and district council officers to explore a range of possible measures to find a permanent solution to this problem and we are pleased to report that at her recent Performance & Accountability meeting, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne made the issue her number one priority, devoting 40 minutes to the matter in a 90 minute meeting and dealing with the problems experienced in Wisborough Green and on Bury Hill. You can watch the whole meeting here.

The discussion on Bury’s problems begins at about 5 minutes 30 seconds into the meeting. Katy Bourne quotes extensively from the letter Bury Parish Council wrote to Andrew Griffith MP in May and repeats our request for a sustainable solution to be found. Chief Constable Jo Shiner describes the initiatives her officers are undertaking in response to the problem and avers that Sussex Police absolutely recognise the issues and are constantly striving to address anti-social road behaviour. Bury Parish Council are hoping to arrange for Katy Bourne and Jo Shiner to come to Bury to meet Councillors and other residents on site.

In the meantime, Bury Parish Council have made a formal application for the installation of average speed cameras on Bury Hill and we have asked both Katy Bourne and Jo Shiner to personally add their support to this.

Whilst we are very pleased that the concerns of Bury residents are being taken very seriously, we believe it is important that residents continue to make their feelings on anti-social behaviour on Bury’s roads known to the powers that be and here are some useful contact details:

Jo Shiner – Chief Constable, Sussex Police

Jo.Shiner@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Katy Bourne – Police & Crime Comm.

spcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk

Andrew Griffith MP

Andrew@GriffithMP.com

Grant Shapps - Sec. of State for Transport

shappsg@parliament.uk

Baroness Vere – Under Sec. of State for Transport

verec@parliament.uk

Becky Shaw – CEO West Sussex CC

becky.shaw@eastsussex.gov.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

If you are entertaining friends or family during August – or just fancy a day out yourself – the National Trust have so far opened some 135 gardens and parklands and most of their coast and countryside car parks are open. Only 6 of their houses in England are open so far (including Petworth House) but more than 80 of their cafes and food outlets are operating and will be participating in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme. Advanced booking at National Trust venues is essential (except for most countryside and coastal car parks) and tickets are released every Friday for the following week. For full details please see here.

Keep well, stay safe – and please remember to have your face coverings at the ready!

For further information, please contact the parish clerk Mike Simpson at: clerkburyparishcouncil@gmail.com

Best wishes

Bury Parish Council

Notice of Electors' Rights 2019-20