Support business and each other

He said that the council fully supports Central Government in its attempt to reduce the level of Covid-19 and protect the nation’s health and the NHS by introducing a second lockdown today.

“I’m sure that the town’s independent shops and businesses will rally round as they did earlier this year and I would encourage everyone to shop local where possible to support the local economy at this difficult time,” said Coun O’Byrne.

“I would encourage the people of Wetherby to adhere to the lockdown rules, but equally to support and help each other, friends, family and neighbours in a safe manner over the next four weeks.”

The lockdown, from today Thursday November 5 until December 2, was announced by the Government last Saturday as a circuit breaker attempt to cut the spread of coronavirus.

It will see non essential shops, gyms and leisure centres, pubs and restaurants closed to public access and people are being urged to stay at home and avoid meeting people they do not live with. Full rules are at: www.gov.uk

Coun O’Byrne added that the Town Hall must close but the Town Council is working.

“We are grateful for such dedicated and enthusiastic staff who will help to keep many of the town’s green spaces and gardens open and available for public use during the lockdown period.”

But Wetherby Business Association, which represents businesses across Wetherby, Boston Spa and area, was not so optimistic about the latest lockdown which was described as heart-breaking.

Wetherby Business Association secretary Nick Dyson said it was hoped that the local business community would still be functioning after the month-long lockdown announced by Boris Johnson last Saturday.

“The new lockdown will be a great disappointment to local businesses, all of which have spent a lot of time and money in Covid precautions, only to be forced to close once more,” said Mr Dyson.

“It must be heart-breaking for small business owners facing ruin because of circumstances entirely beyond their control .

“A large number of our shops depend on having a good Christmas trading period, which will now be shortened.

“That said local traders recognise the awful dilemma which the virus creates and will work within the new rules.

“Let’s hope that we still have a functioning local business community when all this is over.

“If not, Wetherby may not be the same desirable town in which to live and shop.”

Some businesses have already started planning a way to survive.

Wetherby Councillor and landlord Alan Lamb announced that the Fox and Hounds at Walton, will be operating a delivery or collection service throughout November.

“You might not be able to come to the pub during November but we are all geared up to bring the pub to you,” he stated on facebook.

And he added that they would be running a grocery delivery service for those who cannot get out.

In Tadcaster The Tea Lounge said it had been overwhelmed by people saying they would support takeaways from the business during lockdown.

“Thank you again for all your continued support you have given us this year means so much to us all.

“We all got though this once and we will get through this again together.”

A statement from the Wetherby Ward Members Councillors Alan Lamb, Norma Harrington and Linda Richards called for everyone to do their bit.

It reads: “It is unfortunate, but frankly we are where we are.

“It is up to everybody to do their bit and we will come out the other side.

“We were particularly impressed how the whole community pulled together in March, and are confident that we can do it again and hope that we come out of lockdown in time so that families can celebrate together at Christmas.

“As ward members, we are concerned for the local businesses all across the ward and will continue to lobby the Council to ensure that support can be quickly and transparently administered to those that need it.

“The statistics appear startling. Every ward across the city, including ours, is experiencing much higher numbers of infections than we would like. We need to do all we can to help protect the NHS and prevent it from becoming overwhelmed.”