Statement from Cllr Nigel Manning, Chairman of Ash Parish Council

As we are now in a second lockdown alongside the rest of England, it is more important than ever that
we continue to play our part to reduce the spread of the virus by following new government
restrictions, to save lives and protect the NHS.

The Government took this decision in response to the rapidly rising infection rates across the country
including Ash.

The new restrictions require us to stay at home, not meet up with people outside of our household
and for non-essential businesses and venues to close. We need to stay alert and vigilant, only leave
the house for essential purposes, and make sure we look after ourselves. If you can, please work from
home, limit your contact with other people if you go outside to exercise or buy food or medicine,
continue to maintain social distancing and wash your hands. It is absolutely vital that if you have
symptoms, please self-isolate and don’t leave home.

There are some differences to the first lockdown guidance such as schools, colleges and universities
are continuing to open and those in a support bubble (a support bubble is a close support network
between a household and a single-adult household) are still able to meet. While socialising is not
permitted as the point of the lockdown is to limit our contact with others, everyone is also able to meet
with one other person outdoors in a public place.

I was overwhelmed by the community spirit shown during the first lockdown, and how residents came
together to support one another. Now we must do the same again. If we stay at home, we will save
lives. We are all in this together and we will come through this together. I want to reassure you all that
we have continued to provide essential services throughout the outbreak.

I understand the struggles that this second lockdown will bring to many of our residents and
businesses, including some people losing their jobs and struggling financially. The Coronavirus (Covid
19) outbreak has had a major impact on our local, national and global economy and there will be more
government grants coming soon. Guildford Borough Council has a free online ‘Skills for Employment
course running to help get people back into work– please email business@guildford.gov.uk for more
details.
We need to make sacrifices over the next few weeks that will hopefully allow all our local retailers to
reopen again before Christmas. If we show discipline now, we can minimise the impact on our local
businesses, keep our children in schools and reduce pressure on the NHS. Please continue to show
support for our local shops, where you can.

Local volunteers continue to play a big role in supporting our most vulnerable residents and I want to
thank them for their hard work. Guildford Borough Council will also continue to support you throughout
this difficult period. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you or anyone you know needs any help or
support, with food parcels, prescriptions or because you are alone, the Guildford Borough Council
Community Helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am – 5pm (4.30pm Friday) on 01483
444400. Find out more information here: www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23881/Can-we-help-during-self-
isolation-. Stay up to date with Services at www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23821/Service-updates.
Alternatively, you can contact Ash Parish Council (APC) on 01252 328287 (9.00 – 16.00) or any of
your local Ash Parish Councillors (contact details on the APC website www.ashpcsurrey.gov.uk) who
will be happy to help you.

Stay safe and we will get through this together.

Councillor Nigel Manning