Gillian Keegan
Since the start of this week, we can finally see loved ones from another household in groups of no more than six, outdoors. For many of us this will be a huge relief as we’ve all missed friends and family over the past weeks.
That being said, many of our beauty spots along the coast and in the South Downs have been inundated with people as the lovely weather continues. Although this is allowed, not keeping two metres apart from each other is not. People must remain socially distant and avoid situations where this becomes impossible. Our beaches are understandably a destination of choice when the sun is out. As many of you will know, the team at West Wittering have limited car parking spaces to ensure visitors can remain distanced. This and the sheer volume of visitors has resulted in people parking illegally in our coastal villages and walking to the coast. I am fully aware of this issue and grateful to Chichester District Council who have taken action by boosting their parking enforcement patrols – so much so the council have issued 300 penalty notices in the last two weeks along the coast, and 85 last weekend alone.
This week has also brought about changes to those deemed as extremely medically vulnerable to Covid-19. For people in this category, recent months have been particularly scary. New freedoms allowing those shielding to leave home are a cautious first step, however, it’s an individual choice to do what you feel comfortable with. Before making the decision the Department for Health and Social Care engaged with the Royal College of GPS and the British Medical Association and was approved by Public Health England. I advise everybody to carefully read the guidance on gov.uk
On a separate issue, this week many of you will have seen our local radio station Spirit FM is under threat of becoming a generic Greatest Hits station, losing its local content and presenters. Over its 24-year history, Spirit FM has done so much for our community including raising funds for charities and individuals who need support. Last year their Tonne of Tins campaign pulled in five and a half tonnes of donations to local food banks and raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes. I urge you all to support the campaign to save this crucial part of our local media, so it can continue for another quarter of a century. I have also made the case to the managing director of the owners, Bauer Media, and my colleague the Minister for Media. I will keep you updated as I know more. Please join me by signing the petition at www.change.org/p/bauer-media-savespirit-fm