Socially-distanced buzz back in town
Dissenting councillor questions efficacy of safety measures
THATCHAM is open for business and social distancing measures are in place, however one councillor thinks the measures will not help.
The town council has produced a short video saying that Thatcham is open following the lockdown and features short messages from traders, with a welcome from town mayor Mike Cole (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East).
Speaking at a meeting last week, Mr Cole said it was “lovely to see the town busy and bustling”, but he added that “there was some way to go” before traffic would return to pre-Covid levels.
“At least the town is now open and retailers are happy to be open,” he said.
“They have obviously had a torrid time and we hope that residents will come in and support the retailers.”
The town council has been delivering notices and posters to businesses requesting the guidance on reopening and social distancing measures.
Deputy mayor John Boyd (Lib Dem, Thatcham Coltrop and Crookham) said that the smaller businesses were happy to receive the items and were grateful for the council’s support.
Safe refuges have also been created in High Street and Crown Mead to assist with social distancing.
Disapproving, Richard Crumly (Con, Thatcham Central) said he had seen the cones placed in High Street and that customers queuing outside
Newbury Building Society had said they had no idea what they were for.
“I was not a supporter of this and I don’t think it’s going to assist or help anyone,” Mr Crumly said.
“I hope that they will removed as soon as this crisis is over.”
Mr Cole said he had needed to dash into a refuge to maintain two-metre distancing.
Mr Boyd said he had explained what the cones were for and that people were “very supportive of it”.
Owen Jeffery (Lib Dem, Thatcham Central) said: “I think it’s entirely sensible and commonsensical.
“I also used the refuge to maintain the two-metre distance.
“It’s entirely reversible when this crisis is over or whenever it seems appropriate to do so.
“I’m very surprised and very disappointed that councillor Crumly does not think this is the right thing to do for the safety of this town.”