Bassetlaw MP can see 'light at the end of the tunnel' for the economy

From July 4, the Prime Minister has announced that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers can re-open, two households will also be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures and people can enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.

Some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely, including outdoor gyms, playgrounds, cinemas, museums, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.

Following a review, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of one metre plus.

This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations, which reduce the risk of transmission.

It’s important that we do not increase the risk of transmission which is why ‘close proximity’ venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will need to remain closed for now.

There has been great news for constituents who contacted me regarding the consultation on the Bassetlaw draft local plan and for those who wanted more time to submit their views.

Bassetlaw District Council will now be consulting with residents again, giving you more time to give your views on the plans for development in places such as Thievesdale, Sandhills and the proposed garden village at Morton.

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched an appeal to raise money to develop two memorial gardens at Bassetlaw Hospital and Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

With a target of £35,000, it is aiming to create a pair of beautiful spaces which will be dedicated to all of those we have lost to covid-19 locally and sadly departed colleagues Dr Medhat Atalla and Kevin Smith.

This is a great cause, which I fully support and creates a lasting memorial to those who have battled so bravely against this terrible pandemic.

The JustGiving Page is here.

Brendan Clarke-Smith is MP for Bassetlaw.