Dear Resident,

On Monday, the Prime Minister set out how we will continue to fight back against the resurgent virus, protecting our NHS and saving lives whilst keeping the economy running to safeguard jobs and livelihoods.

The number of cases of Coronavirus per 100,000 of the population here in Huntingdonshire has risen nearly tenfold in just a few short weeks. I must therefore stress the importance of everybody playing their part and following the guidance to control the spread of the virus and protect our local economy, local jobs and the livelihoods of our residents.

The vast majority of the residents of Huntingdonshire are being responsible, doing the right thing, following guidance and helping to prevent the spread of the virus. However, we are still seeing too many examples locally of people not understanding or not accepting that some of the measures in place are there to protect our most vulnerable residents.

I appreciate that the current restrictions impact on our way of life, but we must act in a spirit of togetherness to suppress this virus now to save lives and to enable us to avoid tougher measures later. I do not want to see another national lockdown, and nor do I want Huntingdonshire’s alert level to rise to the point that we have to endure a local lockdown – a situation that many of our local businesses are saying they would not be able to survive.

Whether or not you agree with the Government’s approach to tackling the virus or with the restrictions that are in place, I would urge you to consider the consequences for our town centres and businesses if the number of cases continues to rise and Huntingdonshire’s alert level is raised to the point that additional restrictions are imposed on us by Government. We can all make a difference in supporting our town centres and helping local businesses get through these difficult times, but in a way that is safe and does not lead to further transmission of the virus.

With that in mind, this week saw the launch of HDC’s Think Local campaign that will run until January and will build upon the success of the Reopening Huntingdonshire campaign in promoting what our local high streets have to offer. Working closely with our independent businesses we will be highlighting how they are working to give people confidence to safely return to our town centres.
 
The weeks and months ahead will continue to test us all, but if we can harness the same spirit that has helped us through the year so far then I am confident that our community will overcome these challenges and continue to prosper.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Ryan Fuller

Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council