Bassetlaw Council leader praises businesses for safe and successful re-opening weekend

From social distancing, temperature checks, face shields, booking systems, table service for drinks and collecting information for test and trace, it was clear the local businesses have put a lot of effort into re-opening safely.

We have been working with North Notts BID to support local businesses.

If anybody needs guidance or assistance, then please get in touch with the council’s economic development team.

Whilst lockdown restrictions gradually ease, it is vital that we continue to stay alert and do not get complacent.

The recent situation in Leicester should be a reminder to us all that the virus has not gone away and the last thing anybody wants after 100 plus days of lockdown is for restrictions to be re-imposed.

This week, the Nottinghamshire Flood Hardship Fund re-opened for its second round of grant applications.

The first round saw £34,000 paid out, with just under 80 per cent of awards to Bassetlaw residents.

Full application details are on the website, whilst Sue Fortune, chief executive of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation will be at Worksop Town Hall on July 21 to assist residents who may need support with applications.

This will be done in accordance with social distancing procedures, but I am grateful to Sue for her offer to come up to Worksop and offer this support.

Finally, I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer this week, urging him support the local economy in Bassetlaw.

Many local traders and entrepreneurs have missed out on previous rounds of Government support and the problems faced by so many have not disappeared.

I have urged him to give direct financial support to the Raise the Bar Campaign to assist local businesses with a high rateable value.

This is important because so far, the grants and guidance from the government has meant some local businesses like North Notts Arena haven’t been eligible for support.

This is something the government really needs to look at.

Coun Simon Greaves is the leader of Bassetlaw District Council.