Thank you to all who have been following the Government’s instructions during this difficult time. We do hope that by following these to the letter the rate of spread of the virus will soon plateau and begin to fall. This is not going to be a speedy process, but it is so important that we keep to the rules of frequent and thorough handwashing and social distancing.
For those of us fortunate enough to have gardens, many of them may be better tended than for many years and we should reap the benefits later in the year. It is really good news that the Council is able to re-instate the brown bin (garden waste) collections from Easter Monday. To check the details for your area, please see https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste-recycling-collections-re-start-easter-monday
The Council’s Covid-19 website has had a makeover. It contains a lot of information and is easier to search. It will be updated as needed. There is a link from the home page, or you can go straight to https://epsom-ewell.gov.uk/coronavirus
It is great to hear how so many residents are helping their neighbours with shopping, collecting medicines and keeping in touch with those who are self-isolating and feeling lonely – thank you to all of you. Also good that we are able to show our gratitude to all those who are working hard to help us through these difficult times by the Thursday evening ‘clap (not to mention clanging saucepans etc) of thanks’.
If you are self-isolating and not able to get food or medicines delivered, or need other support, please contact the Surrey County Council’s Community Helpline number: 0300 200 1008. They are coordinating requests for help and, where appropriate, forwarding them to the Borough and District Councils’ Community Hubs so that we can contact the residents to support them. The Helpline is normally available Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 2pm. Over the Bank holiday weekend it will be Good Friday 10 April and Easter Monday 13 April: 10am to 4pm, Easter Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 2pm.
The Government requires that the planning process proceeds as uninterrupted as possible. They are not allowing extensions to the processes, however changes in regulations allow for the Planning Committee to meet remotely rather than all members having to be present in person. If you are concerned about a planning application, you can check the papers on the website http://eplanning.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/online-applications/ . If you want to make comments during the public consultation periods, please do these via the website or e-mail rather than by letter.
Many of you will know that to support critical workers in the borough and those needing essential supplies, the council has relaxed the car parking charges in some of their car parks until the end of this month. If you do need to drive into town, you are asked to use the Ashley Centre, Hook Rd or Depot Road. Charges still apply to the rear Town Hall and Hope Lodge car parks and you are asked to avoid using these in order that the council’s Covid-19 response team and their volunteers can access them as they are closer to the response HQ in the Town Hall. Similarly charges still apply to the Bourne Hall car park.
If you would like further help or advice from any of your borough councillors, please email and we’ll see what we can do.
We hope you are keeping safe and well and send best wishes for the Easter weekend.
