Following the latest government advice, Hailsham Town Council reception in Market Street is currently open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, and changes have been made to the reception area in line with social distancing and hygiene guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors, as well as staff during their visit.
Normal office opening hours of 9am-4pm (Monday to Friday, except bank holidays) will be reintroduced from 21st June, subject to coronavirus guidelines at that time.
The key changes to be aware of before visiting the Town Council reception area are as follows:
Perspex screens and barriers have been installed in the reception area to protect the public and staff. Members of the public will not be permitted to handle any printed material, and staff members will ascertain any requirements and pass them onto the public. Reception staff will wear face coverings when there are visitors in the reception area.
Anyone showing any of the COVID-19 symptoms – including a high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of/change to sense of smell or taste – must not enter the reception area.
Staff continue to be available for online enquiries via email or by phone on 01323 841702, and the public are encouraged to make contact through these channels first. Most information on the Town Council’s services is available via hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
“To ensure the protection of both staff and members of the public, significant health and safety measures have been put in place,” said Town Clerk John Harrison. “Council officers have been working hard behind the scenes since the start of the pandemic to continue providing vital services for people in our town and, more recently, in terms of making preparations for its reopening to the public.”
“In doing so, we have ensured that the social distancing and hygiene measures will put visitors’ minds at ease – and provide adequate protection for our staff too.”
Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager, Mickey Caira commented: “We have all been adapting to changes in the way we go about our everyday lives and of course, new ways of working. While most of our residents have been contacting us by email or telephone throughout the pandemic, many people take preference in being able speak to a member of staff face-to-face.”
“For this reason, we are delighted to be in the position to be able to offer this service again to our residents. I would encourage everyone visiting the reception area to protect themselves and others by wearing a face covering at all times and following the new, essential systems that are in place.”
Members of the public are encouraged to follow the Town Council social media pages and the following web page for updates on Council services and facilities: hailsham-tc.gov.uk/coronavirus-postponement-of-council-activities/.
The Town Council is continually monitoring developments concerning COVID-19 in line with Government guidance and would like to thank the public for their understanding of all necessary precautions which have been put in place throughout the pandemic to protect the health and well-being of residents.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk