Lockdown One Year On: A message from the leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council
'There is now light at the end of the tunnel and – like everyone – I’m excited to see the road map out of lockdown and restrictions'
By David Monk, leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council
It’s strange to think a year has passed since we first started to hear phrases such as ‘the new normal’ and ‘self-isolating’.
A lot of things have been very different since the first national lockdown was announced on March 23, 2020 – and we’ve all had to make sacrifices to protect the health of our friends, family and neighbours.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has sadly taken the lives of loved ones, it has also demonstrated the very best of our community spirit and partnership working.
This has included, but is most certainly not limited to:
- Setting up a network of three community hubs to support vulnerable residents – offering services such as helping with shopping, delivering meals, picking up prescriptions and dog walking.
Volunteers have given thousands of hours to their local communities and I thank them all for their fantastic efforts. - Administering financial support for businesses – distributing millions of pounds to those unable to trade as they usually would. It’s been great to hear such positive feedback from so many who have received this crucial support.
- Supporting residents facing financial difficulties – we have been helping those who have had their circumstances severely impacted by the pandemic. This includes the Test and Trace Payments for eligible people told by the NHS to self-isolate.
- Working in partnership with Kent Police and other partners to help keep our communities safe by encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to follow the different restrictions in place at various times. The focus has definitely been on using enforcement only as a last resort.
- Providing the use of our Civic Centre site and Folca building to the NHS for the Covid-19 vaccination programme. We are delighted to be able to support such a momentous roll-out which will be crucial to life being able to get back to normal.
All of this has been on top of the day-to-day duties the council carries out. The tireless work our officers have done and continue to do – often far beyond their remit – has been incredible.
It really has demonstrated the strength of local government in supporting its residents especially during these unusual and unprecedented times.
Moving forward, our newly-approved corporate plan – Creating Tomorrow Together – very much sets out our main priorities and themes for the future.
This includes the council’s key role in leading the district’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic over the next three years.
There is now light at the end of the tunnel and – like everyone – I’m excited to see the road map out of lockdown and restrictions.
But, like any long journey, we have to get there first. So please continue to follow the regulations in place to ensure a brighter and coronavirus-free future.
We have been overwhelmed reading about how our communities are helping each other during these difficult times. We want YOU to share and shout about what you are doing for your neighbourhoods.
