Tier 3 Rallying Call by Council Leader Joss Bigmore

Published on: 17 Dec, 2020
Updated on: 18 Dec, 2020

Cllr Joss Bigmore

Council leader Cllr Joss Bigmore said tonight (December 17): “From 12:01am on Saturday morning, we enter Tier 3, alongside most of Surrey and other parts of the South East. It is essential that we continue to play our part to reduce the spread of the virus by following the increased government restrictions, protect the NHS and save lives.

“The government took this decision in response to the rapidly rising infection rates across the county.

“The new restrictions mean we must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody we do not live with or is not in our support bubble. We must continue to follow the rule of six in all public spaces, including parks and countryside sites.

“Pubs, restaurants, hotels and indoor entertainment venues will close, although food businesses can still offer takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through and delivery services, and leisure and sports facilities, plus places of worship, may stay open.

“We need to stay alert and vigilant, and make sure we look after ourselves. If you can, please work from home, limit your contact with other people if you go outside, continue to maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently. It is absolutely vital that if you have symptoms you self-isolate and do not leave home.

“The Christmas Bubble guidance will still run from December 23 till 27, allowing us to form a “bubble” with people from two other households. During these five days, all other Tier 3 restrictions will still apply.”We hope you are all able to enjoy Christmas with your loved ones but please do everything you can to protect friends and family.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amazing community spirit shown during the pandemic, and how we have all come together to support one another. We must continue to do this. If we follow the rules, we will slow the spread and protect the NHS.”We are all in this together and we will come through this together. We want to reassure you all we have continued to provide essential services throughout the outbreak and are still here to help and support you and our local businesses.

“We understand the struggles these new restrictions will bring to many of you. The outbreak has had a major impact on our local, national and global economy and we are continuing to support our local businesses with a number of grants.

“We also have a free online “Skills for Employment” course running to help get you back into work. Please email business@guildford.gov.uk for more details.

Please continue to show support for our local shops, many of whom now offer online sales.

“As well as enjoying our Christmas lights, if you have visited our town centre you may have seen our Safety Marshals. They will be on hand at peak times during the day and night to help everybody stay safe and follow government guidelines.”Most people are now used to wearing a face covering, washing and sanitising their hands regularly and staying two metres apart, but we want to do all we can to allow everybody to continue to enjoy our beautiful and historic town in safety.

“We have worked with our partners Experience Guildford, Pub Watch and venues to make this possible. If you see one of our Safety Marshals, please say hello; they are happy to help in whatever way they can.

“Our volunteers continue to play a big role in supporting our most vulnerable residents and I thank them for all of their hard and invaluable work. You, our residents and local businesses, are our top priority and we will to continue to support you throughout this difficult period. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

“If you or anyone you know needs any help or support, with food parcels, prescriptions or because you are alone, our community helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am – 5pm (4.30pm Friday) on 01483 444400. It will remain open over most of the Christmas and New Year period but will be closed on Thursday 24, Friday 25 and Monday 28 and Friday, January 1.

“Find out more information here: www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23881/Can-we-help-during-self-isolation-. Stay up to date with our Services at www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23821/Service-updates – and please check our revised bin collection schedule at https://www.guildford.gov.uk/Christmasbincollectiontimes.”

“Stay safe and we will get through this together.”

Brian Creese

Brian Creese, Chair Guildford Labour Party responded: “Guildford Labour entirely endorse Joss Bigmore’s comments on our entering Tier 3, and would ask everyone to follow the rules and ensure that all of us, particularly the elderly, stay safe this Christmas.

“We would also encourage everyone who needs to use the support services outlined above to do so, and look out for others who may be in need.  I am, nonetheless, slightly bemused at the timing of this latest set of rules which sees Guildford enter tougher restrictions for just a few days before we enter the more relaxed rules over Christmas.

“This is a real kick in the teeth for local businesses who really cannot plan for this level of unpredictability. It seems to me that the government is not in control of events and there is little sign of a strategy to get us out of this on/off cycle of disruption.”

Cllr Ramsey Nagaty

Ramsey Nagaty, leader of the Guildford Greenbelt Group (GGG) added (December 12, 2020): “With Guildford entering Tier 3 there will be additional burdens on all of us, residents, businesses and the council.

“GBC will have greater enforcement issues to deal with adding to the workload and financial burden on the Council.

“GGG is appreciative of the work officers and our Town Safety Marshals will be doing during this period under Tier 3 and onwards through the Christmas Holidays and into the New Year.

“We hope that residents of all ages will heed the rules, stay safe and be responsible citizens.

“In Guildford, we are lucky to still have plenty of open spaces, parks and beautiful countryside to enjoy relatively safely, let’s treasure and maintain this as the recent lockdowns have shown the tremendous value and benefit of our countryside.”

More responses have been invited. Please check back.

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