Message from the Town Mayor Concerning Covid-19

“I am writing this message to provide an update on measures the Town Council is taking to minimise unnecessary risks and navigate the ever-changing environment in Hailsham amid the pending Coronavirus outbreak.

I know all of you will be concerned and worried about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and I want to reassure you that your Town Council is playing its part in slowing the spread of the virus.

Hailsham Town Council has decided to postpone the Annual Town Electors’ Meeting scheduled for 1^st April. This decision, which was not made lightly, has come as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, and the most recent “delay phase” measures and advice given by the government.

Due to the developing situation with Covid-19, Council and Committee meetings will be postponed until further notice, and new dates will be announced to the public in due course.

Like many other councils, we are preparing to only hold those meetings that are absolutely necessary. We are postponing all other non-essential meetings and looking to put in place a scheme of delegation that allows officers to run the services and make key decisions necessary for business continuity without doing or spending anything new.

The Town Council has also decided to close the James West Community Centre to help restrict the spread of the Coronavirus and will not accept hall bookings until further notice. Furthermore, some of the Council’s youth services have been temporarily reduced, with afternoon sessions at the Square Youth Café, Friday Night Project activities and Monday Youth Club cancelled for the time being.

It is our duty as a parish council to look after the health, safety and wellbeing of members, staff and visitors to our office building and community halls, as well as to our public events.

One thing is clear – the Coronavirus situation will likely continue for months, and it’s crucial that any measures we take are sustainable for the long-term.

Coronavirus must be taken seriously, as it is a virus which is spreading fast and I urge the public and business owners to follow the rules and guidelines provided by the NHS and other government agencies.

As this situation is evolving every day, I urge the community to practice good hygiene and stay home where possible. Please continue to follow the guidelines posted by all health agencies regarding regular hand washing, social distancing, and cleaning of other objects that are repeatedly used in your home.

Even if you are not a part of the vulnerable population which can be more severely affected by this respiratory virus, your role still matters in protecting those who are.

Let us all continue the community spirit that Hailsham is renowned for and show concern for those who are already self-isolating or will soon need to – particularly the elderly, disabled or those with underlying conditions that put them at risk.  Let’s make sure they get the help they need by providing them with necessary food and supplies.

In short, let’s all stay safe and healthy, remain positive and be kind to one another. We will get through this together.”

Councillor Paul Holbrook

Town Mayor & Chairman, Hailsham Town Council