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One of the things you can do to help keep our refuse collectors safe from COVID-19 is to wash your hands both before and after you put your bins out. Studies have shown that the virus can live on plastic surfaces for 2-3 days and we don't want our crews to be placed at any more risk than absolutely necessary.
To support the many small businesses which pay little or no business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) the Government has promised to provide £10,000 cash grant to business across the country which are currently eligible for either SBRR or Rural Rate Relief, to help meet their ongoing business costs.
A £25,000 grant will also be provided to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.
We are expecting this information to be released next week - so there's no need to contact us in the meantime. As soon as we have the information, we will publicise it on our website, social media and in these bulletins.
Cemetery update
The main vehicle access gates to both Marlborough Road and Bear Street cemeteries are closed until further notice. However, pedestrian access will remain open at both cemeteries. The gates will only open for burial services. We realise that this may be inconvenient for some people but it has been done to discourage those with underlying health issues and the over 70's from leaving their home and exposing themselves to the virus.
All grounds maintenance in both cemeteries has also ceased for the time being as grass cutting and emptying of bins is classed as non-essential work.
Thanks to everyone who has used old boxes or bags to put their glass recycling out for collection separate from the plastic and tins. It really does help speed up the process for the crews and means they can get around to more houses in a shorter time.
All crews are still going out on their rounds, if you see them and want to ask a question, please remember to maintain a 2 meter distance. If your waste or recycling collection gets missed we won't be able to return as we are short staffed. Please take it back in and present it again on your next collection.
We have been asked to put some messages out on behalf of local pharmacies who are struggling to keep up with demand on their services.
You can help relieve the pressure on them by only going to pharmacies for absolutely essential prescriptions.
The Government has today announced emergency measures to ensure vulnerable customers who may fall into debt remain supplied with energy while in self isolation.
Any energy customer in financial distress will be supported by their energy supplier.
Grants have been made available by Fullabrook Community Interest Company to voluntary and community groups in the following areas:
Ashford, Berrynarbor, Bittadon, Braunton, East Down, Georgeham, Heanton Punchardon, Ilfracombe, Marwood, Mortehoe, Shirwell, West Down, and West Pilton
More information and application forms are available on our website.
Avoid misinformation on Coronavirus - only follow advice from official, trusted sources.
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