|
Timestamp: 24 April 2020
This is a regular email bulletin that Horsham District Council will be sending out updating you on latest guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), updates about Council services and actions being taken.
This bulletin has been sent to public email subscribers, Horsham District Council members, Neighbourhood Councils, Parish Council clerks and Horsham District Council staff.
Visit our website for the latest updates on Council services.
Parking
Free parking in Council car parks until the end of the COVID-19 lockdown
We are extending free parking in all Council-owned car parks to help residents park more safely, support key workers and avoid road congestion. This situation will remain in place until the end of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Residents who currently park on-street, within a Controlled Parking Zone, will continue to have the option to use Council-owned car parks for free. For current season ticket holders, or those who have pre-paid for their parking, we will extend their parking period accordingly.
Find out more about the free parking arrangement
Horsham District COVID-19 Appeal
Support local volunteers who are working in Horsham District Community Volunteer Hubs to buy and deliver essential food and medicines for the vulnerable who are self-isolating.
To ensure every vulnerable resident gets the essential items they need, we need to raise £10,000 by the end of May 2020. To date around £5,000 has been raised, which is fantastic.
£10 will buy essential foods, £20 will buy essential foods and medicines and £50 will buy a food parcel for a self-isolating resident and contribute to a food bank. Click the button below to donate online.
Some comments from the community
Volunteers across the District have been extremely grateful for the kind words from residents who have received support during the coronavirus pandemic so far. Here are just a few comments that they have received:
"It is so nice to know there is someone we can call on, to get some help, even if we don’t need it at the moment, but may do in the future."
"It is really appreciated what you are doing."
"Thank you for ringing every week, and checking I am ok, it has helped my family relax a little, knowing there is someone else to help."
"The volunteer who did my shopping is an absolute angel."
"Thank you for sorting this out so quickly, what a relief."
|
Community Safety
Sussex Police and our Community Safety team have confirmed that fraudsters are using these uncertain times to take advantage of people, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Here are some key messages to help you stay informed and keep yourself safe:
Community hubs
Our Community Hub volunteers will always carry ID and will not take payment for goods until after they have delivered them. If a volunteer asks you to give them money before they have delivered your goods, please do not do this – call your local hub instead. Do not give your bank card to a volunteer or share any card or account details with them.
We have had reports of fraudsters claiming to be volunteers, taking payment and not returning with a person’s shopping. Please call 01403 215230 if you are unsure of a volunteer process.
Police warn against fraudsters
Sussex Police will not ask you to hand over money or make a card payment when they issue an on-the-spot fine, and officers will always be able to provide ID. A teenage man was approached in Brighton by fraudsters who claimed to be police issuing him with an on-the-spot fine. Read the full story and police advice.
Friends Against Scams
Friends Against Scams has published a list of currently known coronavirus scams. Identified scams include telephone scams, counterfeit goods, refund scams and false charity appeals.
Report fraud online
To report fraud online, visit the Action Fraud website
Activities
Colour in Horsham District
We may not be able to visit some of our favourite Horsham District places at the moment, but we can still colour them in!
We've created eight colouring-in sheets for a fun stay-at-home activity. Featuring Horsham Park, Southwater Country Park, Chesworth Farm (pictured), Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, The Capitol, Knepp Castle and Owlbeech Woods. A great mix of wildlife, countryside and architecture to inspire you.
Download all eight colouring sheets
We've been inspired to do this by Experience West Sussex, who have their own set of brilliant sheets too.
Free home workouts with Places Leisure
Our leisure partners Places Leisure are providing free access to some great online workouts for you to try at home. There’s something for everyone, with workouts that focus on core, strength, cardio and stretch: there's even a ‘keep moving’ workout for older adults. Download the Places Locker app and get moving, or click here to find out more about the workouts.
|
Business
Future Fund
UK businesses driving innovation and development will be helped through the coronavirus outbreak with a £1.25 billion government support package.
The comprehensive package includes a new £500 million loan scheme for high-growth firms, called the Future Fund, and £750 million of targeted support for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.
More details will be available on the Government website soon
Guidance for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers
Taxis and private hire vehicle drivers can continue to work. However, the government’s advice is clear: people should stay at home if possible.
If you are a licensed taxi driver in Horsham District, please visit our Coronavirus guidance for taxi and private hire drivers webpage for the latest advice on your licence.
Quick links
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
Staying at home if you think you have coronavirus (self-isolating)
How to protect extremely vulnerable people (shielding)
Visit the Government's business support website
|
