Council in cash plea ‘to give local businesses a fighting chance’
DERBY has issued a cry for help for more cash from the Government to help the city survive a second national lockdown.
The first lockdown caused widespread hardship as workers were furloughed and shops, pubs, restaurants, hair salons, cafés, factories, wedding venues and workshops suffered.
Paul Simpson, chief executive of Derby City Council, said the Government needs to give more money to the city “to give our local businesses a fighting chance” as the second national lockdown approaches.
He said: “It’s no secret that Derby has been hard-hit by the pandemic.
“As a leading aerospace and manufacturing city, we’ve seen some devastating losses in Derby, but we’ve really pulled together as a city to mitigate this.
“Going into the tough national measures, we’re in a good position and can build upon the excellent work that’s already being done to rebuild and diversify our city’s economy.
“What we need from Government now is sufficient financial support.”
Despite the damage to the local economy, Derby’s director of public health has backed the second national Covid-19 lockdown, which starts later this week.
Announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a press conference at the weekend, the new restrictions will come into force on Thursday and last until December 2.
The measures will see non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues shut, with pubs, bars and restaurants also closed except for takeaway and delivery services.
Dr Robyn Dewis, Derby’s director of public health, has said that the new lockdown is “necessary” to help stop the spread of coronavirus as cases continue to rise.
Reacting to the PM’s announcement, she said: “While this is obviously not the news that any of us want to hear, the new England-wide measures are necessary for us to gain control of the growth in infection.
“We must all work hard to adhere to the new restrictions, and remember the impact that our actions have on our loved ones, health service, businesses, and all of Derby.
“We also have to remember our basics in hygiene – regularly washing our hands, covering our mouths if we cough, wearing a mask, and social distancing – these actions are vital even when we are only leaving our homes for essential reasons.”
Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The people of Derby have worked extremely hard over the months since the coronavirus pandemic hit, each doing their bit for Derby, and I know that this news may be disheartening, but these measures are being brought in now so that we can avoid restrictions being in place for any longer than necessary.
“We must continue to do the right thing for Derby – protecting our citizens and Derby as a whole by acting unselfishly and with care.
“We recognise the importance of working with our partners across the city to support the most vulnerable and I would encourage anyone who needs help in light of Covid-19 to contact the Community Hub on 01332 640000.”