Wingerworth Parish Council

Support North East Derbyshire (#SupportNED) aims to let residents know about the safety measures in place in the towns and shops around the District so customers can return safely and securely with confidence to support local businesses (see our press release for more information). Local, independent businesses are the backbone of our high streets, so please help to support them in whatever way you can.

We are also urging businesses to check key advice and guidance on our website prior to re-opening, such as the need to complete a COVID-19 Risk Assessment.

Businesses in our District should submit this assessment to us, along with a proposed opening date. If they meet the COVID-19 Secure Business requirements, they will then be issued with a certificate.

More start-up and innovative firms are also able to apply for investment from the Government's Future Fund. Under the scheme, early-stage, high growth businesses from a diverse range of sectors can apply for a convertible loan of between £125,000 and £5m to help them through the Coronavirus crisis. More information is available on .gov.uk.

Our virtual Jobs Fair held on 30th June was very successful, with our social media accounts going into overdrive to connect individuals and businesses with jobs and training opportunities. Our next Fair will take place later in the year, so please keep a look out on our website and social media for details.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is currently recruiting 200 Census Engagement Managers. Deadline for applications is 31st July. A total of 30,000 field staff will also be recruited to fill roles pivotal to the success of Census 2021. More information is in the Census e-bulletin if you know of anyone interested in finding out more.

We continue to see small increases in the number of people contacting us for support, with the current total at 6,931. We have now carried out 97 food deliveries and made an impressive 9,703 pharmacy deliveries (up to Friday of last week). If you know of someone who needs help, they can still register via our website or by giving us a call.

As you may know, the Government's food parcel service for clinically extremely vulnerable individuals ends on 31st July. This is the national scheme for those most at risk and is separate to the boxes we have been sending out to other vulnerable residents who have contacted us for help. There is more information in the attached letter, which is currently being sent out with the final deliveries of parcels. This includes alternative ways people can get food but also asks individuals to contact their local Council should they need urgent assistance.

I wish to thank our friends at the British Deaf Association for creating a British Sign Language video on how to contact us. The details can be found on our 'Contact Us' page. I know that members of the local deaf community are appreciative of the Council's efforts to engage with them.

There is updated guidance on the Government website about Coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. gov.uk also has some updated guidance on meeting people from outside your household from 4th July. The Government has also announced that playgrounds may reopen from 4th July. However, this does not mean all playgrounds will have reopened from that date. We have created a Covid-19 playground information list on our website to keep residents updated on any changes.

A host of local attractions, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers have joined forces to welcome visitors back to the Peak District and Derbyshire in a new marketing campaign video launched by the area's official tourist board. Released to mark the reopening of the tourism and hospitality sector on 4th July, the 'Time to…' video shines a spotlight on the warm welcome that awaits guests to the Peak District and Derbyshire, whilst showcasing the extra safety measures that businesses have put in place in order to reopen responsibly.

Finally, there are some useful FAQs on the government's website about what you can and can't do after 4th July. Please take some time to have a look, to make sure you are aware of the new rules.

Keep safe and well.

Regards

Martin Thacker » Less