East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk responds to new restrictions
The Leader of East Suffolk Council has confirmed that key services will continue despite the new restrictions introduced to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic. However he is asking residents to continue doing their very best to help combat the virus.
Some changes and adaptations have been made to ensure that the Council adheres to the new guidelines, however the priority remains that services continue to be delivered as normally as possible while also supporting efforts to reduce the virus in East Suffolk and the wider county.
So, while our Leisure Centres have unfortunately had to close temporarily in line with government guidelines, waste collections are to continue as normal, public conveniences will remain open and grounds maintenance will not be affected. In addition, the Housing Maintenance team will continue to carry out routine and emergency repairs - whilst abiding by the Government guidelines – as will essential Building Control and Environmental Health activities.
Meanwhile, the Council will also be meeting with the police shortly to consider the new regulatory requirements for businesses and how to respond to and implement them.
Having re-opened for appointments only, the Marina Customer Services Centre will now close for the period of the new restrictions, although members of the public will be able to find a range of information about services on the Council’s website www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk including how to make payments. Customers unable to locate what they require online can call 0333 016 2000
Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “We deliver a huge range of essential services which our communities rely on, so it is clearly a priority to ensure we support them throughout these latest restrictions. We have measures in place to ensure our staff are protected while also keeping our residents safe.”
East Suffolk Council is also supporting the county-wide Home But Not Alone scheme which has now restarted, offering a freephone telephone number for vulnerable people who may be struggling during the pandemic. The telephone number is freephone 0800 876 6926 and is available between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
The East Suffolk Communities Team and volunteers will be responding to any enquiries, having previously supported and provided assistance to hundreds of people during the initial lockdown.
The Council will also help administer and distribute any further funding which is made available for businesses, details of which we will receive from the Government.
Full details of how services are affected can be found on our Covid-19 page.
Cllr Gallant added: “I fully understand that the original lockdown and restrictions since then have been difficult for us all but we are here to support our businesses and most vulnerable communities and I am incredibly proud of the efforts that everyone in the district have made to help combat the virus.
“Numbers may be lower here than in other parts of the country, however they have been rising and it is critically important that we stick with it, wash our hands, socially distance and wear a mask to help prevent further spread.
“This remains a huge challenge, however I know this is a challenge we are up to and that we can set a fantastic example here in East Suffolk for the rest of the county and the country as a whole.”