In his weekly message to the residents of Hailsham, Town Mayor and Chairman Cllr Paul Holbrook ensures people that the Council continues to work towards reopening some of the services which are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will endeavour to keep the public updated on future service changes:
“I wish to assure residents that the Town Council is continuing to support the community during the ongoing pandemic and is working hard to ensure that government guidelines relating to social distancing and protection from COVID-19 are met. In doing so, it is hoped that Council services/facilities which are currently closed, will be reopened as soon as possible.
Although the Town Council offices in Market Street are currently closed to the public, staff are working remotely where possible to keep some services running and the main phone line open during office hours, which are 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Many of our Council services and facilities remain closed and will be reopened once any relevant risk assessments and other formalities have been carried out. This is to ensure the safety of the public and staff, and that the latest government guidelines are followed.
Such facilities include our community halls for hire – namely the James West Community Centre, Fleur de Lys Meeting Room and Southview Community Rooms – and more imminently, our play areas and outdoor gym equipment and the public toilets in North Street.
It is hoped that the Saturday street market in Vicarage Field will be reinstated in the near future and the Square Youth Cafe and other youth facilities across the town some time later this year.
Of course, we have worked hard to keep some of our other services in operation during these unprecedented times, although with some restrictions in place. These include Hailsham Cemetery, the town centre post office and Town Council-maintained parks and open spaces – all of which remain open/accessible to the public, so long as people adhere to the latest social distancing and other government guidelines which are in place.
This is an ongoing situation so please be aware that service information could change at short notice. We are continually monitoring developments concerning COVID-19 very closely in line with guidance from government agencies, and we are trying to balance the public’s access to required services and properties with the need to promote public safety.
Recovering from the coronavirus crisis is the toughest challenge of our lifetimes and there is a range of approaches that can and will be taken to support local residents and businesses in Hailsham into the post-lockdown future.
Although we cannot hope to return to the ways things were for some time, the Town Council is steadfast and determined that our strong partnerships with the local community can reinvigorate Hailsham for the better.
Of course, life will be very different for everyone as restrictions continue to be lifted in the coming months and Town Council services and activities which are currently affected, resume.
The whole COVID-19 recovery process presents a number of challenges, some of them considerable. But I am hopeful that we can continue the spirit of community togetherness in the future to ensure that every person and business gets through this.
On behalf of the Town Council, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their understanding of these necessary precautions as we take every step possible to ensure their good health and safety – and that of our members and staff.
Please rest assured that we will endeavour to reinstate services affected and reopen facilities as early as possible, and will keep the public updated via the local press, on our website and via social media.
Thank you and please stay safe everyone.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk