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Message to Residents from the Deputy Mayor & Vice-Chairman

Mayor's Press Releases

Photo of Cllr John Puttick 

Nearly one and a half years on from the first coronavirus lockdown and with the strong prospect of restrictions completely easing later this month, the Deputy Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor John Puttick has addressed the town’s residents:

“Like the rest of the country, we in Hailsham have no doubt reflected on the events of the past sixteen months and the adverse effect the dreadful pandemic has been on our communities.

The pandemic been a time of great uncertainty – and indeed, major upheaval for most of us – where we have had to adapt to social distancing and other Covid measures – and make big sacrifices to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and the community at large safe.

The Prime Minister has said that he is confident enough to go ahead with relaxing the majority of coronavirus restrictions on July 19, which is excellent news for many albeit with some concerns and, with all remaining restrictions expected to be lifted, the race is on to get as many more adults as possible vaccinated in Hailsham and surrounding areas.

It looks as if the vaccines prevent mass hospitalisation and deaths, but not infections and transmission. In short, the vaccinations are working brilliantly. Getting double vaccinated offers the best protection against the virus. If you’ve only had your first one to date, remember to book your second jab for maximum protection and please take action now.

We’re all looking forward to getting back to a more normal life when and if the restrictions are lifted later this month, but we all have a duty to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our local community from the virus should ‘Freedom Day’ come into fruition on July 19 as hoped.

Proposed changes include the end of one metre-plus social distancing, the removal of the need to wear face coverings indoors and on public transport, the lifting of limits on people meeting indoors and outdoors, the reopening of all other businesses and the scrapping of the request to work from home where possible.

Whilst it is good news that restrictions may be almost completely scrapped, it is essential that we all continue to practice some degree of caution should this happen.

For example, if you feel more comfortable wearing face coverings in supermarkets, on public transport and in busy public places, then you should of course still wear them, despite the mandatory requirement being lifted. Also, it’s advisable to still use hand sanitiser as much as possible when out and about – this is perhaps something we should do anyway.

We can all take great pride in the way we have adapted our lives to deal with the coronavirus and protect our local community. From the outset, Hailsham Town Council has worked with community partners and helped fund various projects which provided essential support to those who were most vulnerable, as well as having maintained those essential services that we all depend on.

It’s been a testing time for all of us, but there are many positives which have come to light in recent weeks, and more recently with the announced lifting of most restrictions on July 19 if things continue to progress well in terms of vaccinations and hospitalisation numbers. From this, there is a renewed and more optimistic outlook for us – and a recovery that will put us back on track both socially and economically.

So, as we hope to move further forward in the coming weeks, it is vital that we all continue to do our bit to help us create a new future and return to normality in our everyday lives safely. A future where can spend time with family, friends and loved ones without restrictions, and one where our local economy can operate to full capacity again.

Thank you everyone for playing your part to keep Hailsham safe.”

Cllr John Puttick, Deputy Town Mayor & Vice-Chairman


Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk