Message from RBC Leader- Cllr. Simon Robinson

November 5th, 2020

Rushcliffe Leader calls for all to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson is calling on the public to do all they can to follow new national restrictions around COVID-19 and continue to play their part by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

Measures for England outlined on Saturday by the Prime Minister come into force today (Thursday) in an attempt to reduce the number of transmissions and protect the NHS from rising hospital admissions.

Cllr Robinson said: “It’s incredibly important that everybody now complies with these new restrictions.

“I know it’s exceptionally tough on so many of us as residents and business owners but we are in a really serious situation.

“It needs everyone to continue playing their part, starting with staying at home wherever you can and remembering hands, face, space whenever you do leave home for essential reasons

“I cannot stress enough how important it is as we go forward we all follow these rules to protect each other and get on top of this virus.

“Shop Local Shop Safe at essential outlets and please do keep supporting local traders who are able to continue to operate.

“If you have any questions at all please visit our website www.rushcliffe.gov.uk – it clarifies more on staying at home, meeting others safely, the latest for our businesses and venues and possible financial support, going to work safely and childcare and children’s activities.

“There’s also information available for anyone who needs support with social isolation, mental health or anyone suffering domestic abuse, we understand the pressures so many of us can face at home.

“These measures are very much about protecting everybody in our communities with these huge sacrifices we have to make.

“I’m disappointed we’re in this again after all we did earlier this year but we are where we are and we’ve got to make that commitment and get on top of this pandemic.

“Let me absolutely stress too, a priority is to get that financial support into eligible business bank accounts as soon as possible.

“So as soon as we’ve received the final guidance from government on the business grants packages, we’ll publish the details and then we’ll contact businesses to make sure we can get that vital money out to them.

“Stay safe, continue to look after one another and please follow the rules so we can look forward to a brighter Christmas and 2021.”

Halloween & Bonfire Night

October 29th, 2020

Residents urged to stay safe this
Halloween and Bonfire Night

Rushcliffe Borough Council is appealing to those residents taking part in Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations to stay safe, follow their local COVID-19 restrictions and be mindful of their community when celebrating at home.

As the Borough is under tier three COVID-19 restrictions for both occasions, the authority is urging neighbours to be considerate and help support each other as everyone celebrates slightly differently this year.

This includes not mixing indoors or in private gardens with other households, a rule of six in larger outdoor public spaces such as parks and remembering Hands, Face, Space at all times.

To help guide households, the Council is continuing to update their website with ideas, inspiration and advice for both occasions at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/halloween

Residents are also being asked to take care and consider the impact garden fireworks or bonfires could have on their surroundings before incorporating them into their celebrations and to notify neighbours of their plans.

Earlier this year, the authority’s Communities Scrutiny group recommended the discontinuation of loud fireworks at Council events in the interests of wildlife, pets, the elderly and those with disabilities.

Anyone setting off fireworks from their property should ensure they have all the proper tools, space and knowledge to do so and should consult with their neighbours to ensure this will not cause unnecessary distress to those nearby.

Low noise fireworks offer a quieter alternative for those wishing to enjoy a garden display full of vivid colours, whilst causing minimal disruption and concern to local neighbours, pets and wildlife.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment Cllr Abby Brennan said: “We know how important it is to find opportunities to celebrate in such tough times.

“Many communities are finding novel ways to replace the traditional ‘trick or treat’ with pumpkin trails or Halloween walks that ensure fun for families but keep everyone safe.

“We want to help support communities to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night in ways that are both COVID-secure and considerate of our surroundings.

“Please be mindful of Hands, Face, Space when venturing out over the coming weekends and follow the rule of six when meeting with other households outdoors in public spaces.

“It’s also important to remember that fireworks can be distressing for many people, including elderly members of our communities and those with disabilities. They can also have a negative impact on pets and wildlife in our largely rural Borough.

“That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to check with their neighbours before planning to set off fireworks and choose quieter ways to celebrate wherever possible, such as low noise fireworks.

“Fireworks and bonfires can be incredibly dangerous if not set up and monitored carefully and you should not set up either without proper care, attention and consideration.

“If everyone does their best to follow the guidance we can all enjoy a safe and fun Halloween and Bonfire season.”

Tier 3 – Covid-19

October 29th, 2020

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire move to Tier 3 Very High restrictions for Covid-19

All nine councils have now agreed that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire should move together into Tier 3 restrictions for the city and the county following discussions between Government and Council Leaders.

The ‘Very High’ alert measures come into force at one minute past midnight on Friday 30 October 2020.

The Tier 3 restrictions mean:

People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they are part of their household or support bubble. This includes private homes and indoors in hospitality venues, such as pubs.
People must not meet with people outside of their household or support bubble in a private garden or in most outdoor public venues.
People can continue to see friends and family in groups of six or less that they don’t live with (or have formed a support bubble with) in certain outdoor public spaces, such as a park or public garden.
All pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals, such as a main lunchtime or evening meal. They can only serve alcohol as part of a meal. Pubs, bars and restaurants must still close between 10pm and 5am.
Wedding receptions will not be permitted, but people can get married with a maximum of 15 people at the ceremony (check with the venue for additional restrictions).
Avoid travelling outside the Very High alert area or entering a Very High alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities, or to travel through as part of a longer journey.
Avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK.

As well as the main Tier 3 restrictions, Council Leaders have agreed the following additional local restrictions:

All hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs) can only remain open to offer substantial meals, or must move to operate a delivery and takeaway service only. Alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal.
The use of shared smoking equipment (such as but not limited to shisha) in hospitality venues will be prohibited.
Betting shops, car boot sales and auction houses (with the exception of Livestock and agricultural equipment sales) must close.
Alcohol sales must be prohibited after 9pm where alcohol is purchased to consume off premises, for example shops. Alcohol can continue to be purchased in hospitality venues where accompanying a substantial meal, up until 10pm.
Indoor entertainment and tourism venues must close, except for ice-skating rinks, cinemas, concert halls, and theatres. Hotels and other accommodation can stay open.
Outdoor entertainment and tourism venues can remain open, with the exception of their indoor attractions (such as animal attractions or landmarks).
Saunas and steam rooms must close.
Leisure and sporting facilities (such as leisure centres, gyms, fitness and dance studios, swimming pools and sports courts) can remain open. It is strongly advised that indoor group exercise classes (including dance and fitness classes) should not take place.
Personal care settings such as tattoo parlours, tanning and nail salons, and piercing services must close. Hairdressers and barber salons can remain open but cannot perform services that are otherwise closed. It is advised that personal care services do not take place in private homes.
Public buildings such as town and parish halls, community centres and libraries can remain open to run activities such as childcare and support groups. Public buildings should not host events for private hire, such as birthday parties or other social activities.

Government and local partners will closely monitor the impact of these new restrictions, which will be in place for 28 days from Friday 30^th October and will be kept under review.

As well as the new restrictions, please continue to:

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will coming into contact with people you do not normally meet
stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing a face covering, or increasing ventilation indoors).

People who have symptoms of Covid-19 – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell – must self-isolate immediately and book a test online or by calling 119.

More information

We appreciate there is a lot of information to absorb. We are continuing to work through the guidance for these stricter/additional restrictions and will share more details, guidance and FAQs as soon as possible. This information will be posted on the council websites.

More detail about the Tier 3 restrictions are on the Government website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-very-high

Covid update and Councillors’ Connection

October 27th, 2020

Councillors’ Connection Tuesday 27-10-20

Please find a COVID-19 update below.

Move confirmed to Tier 3 restrictions for Rushcliffe

Rushcliffe, Nottingham, Broxtowe and Gedling Council areas are set to move to Tier 3 COVID-19 restrictions following discussions between Government and our Council Leaders.

These measures come into force at 00.01 on Thursday October 29.

The new measures will expire in 28 days and will be closely monitored by Government and local partners.

The single package of measures across these specific areas will be formally announced tomorrow (Tuesday October 27) and have been agreed to achieve a sustained reduction in infection rates, especially to help protect our vulnerable residents, the NHS and social care services.

A package of support similar to those secured in other parts of the country has been agreed to help residents and businesses who will be impacted by the new restrictions.

Further measures specific to these areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will also be announced tomorrow.

Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “We know we are asking residents and businesses to make ever more sacrifices, but they are necessary to ensure we can restrict transmission of COVID-19 and protect lives.

“The full measures will be outlined as soon as possible. Please play your part to stop the spread of the virus.”