Bassetlaw Council leader hails return of markets as another positive step out of lockdown

A lot of work has gone into making our markets as safe as possible and I would like to thank our market traders for working with the markets team to get us back up and running.

As part of this process we have to have detailed risk assessments in place and in line with the government guidance these are published on our website.

You can find out more here.

The public toilets on Bridge Street also re-opened this week and I am delighted that our brand new changing places facility is now open.

Changing places toilets are designed for those who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as older people.

Changing places toilets have more space and equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist so that they can be used in safety and comfort.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to put another shout out to small businesses in any sector across Bassetlaw that have not yet been eligible to receive any form of government support grants.

The government’s local authority discretionary grants fund is open and businesses must act quickly in order to apply.

There is a total of £1,177,500 available to eligible small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the deadline for applications is Tuesday, June 30.

More information is available here.

From July 4, there will be lots more businesses re-opening, including pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers.

Like many other people I will be glad of the opportunity to be able to get a trim and a socially-distanced pint.

The key to all this working safely though is to keep following the rules.

Although there is a relaxation of some of the restrictions, we all have a responsibility to keep doing our bit, not getting complacent and not just thinking that the virus has now gone.

This week we will be contacting local businesses that can re-open from July 4 to help them get covid secure.

There is a lot that our local businesses need to do to get ready, so I’d ask people to be patient while everybody gets used to these new ways of working.

Coun Simon Greaves is the leader of Bassetlaw District Council.