RCC Covid -19 Newsletter

Dear resident,

It is a little while since I wrote a covid update.  We have had a lovely summer and the spread of covid seemed under control.  Sadly that has not continued and even here in Rutland numbers are rising, although not to the level we have seen elsewhere in the UK.  The news that pubs, clubs and restaurants now have to close at 10pm takes me back to the days when pub opening hours were limited to 8 per day (5 on Sundays) and regularly closed at 10.30pm (at least where I lived) but I guess I’m showing my age!  Whatever you do, though, keep yourself safe and follow the Government’s guidelines and advice:

  • Wear a face covering if you can’t keep two meters away from others (except in your own home, of course)
  • Wear a face covering in taxis and private hire vehicles
  • Wear a face covering in pubs, cafes, sports and social clubs etc. at all times you are not seated at your table (staff must wear a face covering at all times) 
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Don’t mix, either in your home or outside, in groups of more than 6.

There are also much stricter rules for businesses and village halls/community centres and if you are interested you can find details here. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-22-september

Now to other topics.  Many residents have contacted me about the current consultation on the Local Plan.  This consultation has been extended to 4.15pm on 6 November.  Details can be found here: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building-control/planning/planning-policy/local-plan-review/ and your parish council has a hard copy of the document should you wish to read it in hard copy.  Your parish council will also be able to advise you on completing the response form, although you are allowed to submit a letter if you don’t want to use the form.

Leicestershire Police are currently undertaking a consultation on community safety.  If you wish to take part you can find it here: https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Have-Your-Say/Consultations/Community-Safety-Survey.aspx

And finally you will be getting communication from our health authorities on proposals to reconfigure Leicester’s hospitals.  This includes the proposal to close the maternity unit in Melton and other reductions at the General.  These proposals are likely to have a significant impact on Rutland residents and so you may wish to respond to them.  You can find out more about the proposals, and how to respond, here https://www.betterhospitalsleicester.nhs.uk/ 

Gale Waller

County Councillor, Normanton Ward

gwaller@rutland.gov.uk

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