The leader of Maldon District Council has issued a message to residents following the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday (Saturday, 31 October) that there will be a second national lockdown.

Dear Residents,

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced (31 October) that a national lockdown will be in place from Thursday, 5 November until Wednesday, 2 December.

Although the lockdown and new restrictions will be disappointing news for both residents and many businesses, it is imperative everyone follows the latest government guidelines to save lives and protect the NHS.

I am, however, pleased to hear that the furlough scheme will be extended throughout November, helping to protect local jobs and our economy.

For full details on the new government restrictions, please visit the Government website here.

The health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority and we will continue to provide essential council services for our residents.

Throughout the pandemic we have worked closely with our partners to support the most vulnerable members of our community, and this vital work will continue alongside supporting our residents with critical day-to-day services.

The Maldon district has shown fantastic community spirit throughout this challenging year and I have no doubt that this will continue with family, friends and neighbours supporting one another where they are safely able to over the coming weeks.

We will continue to do all we can to support our health partners and our residents. It is important we all play our part to protect the people of the Maldon district.

I will bring you more information in due course, particularly details on any of our services which may be impacted by the new restrictions. I would like to thank the people of the district for their continued efforts to protect the community we all live in.

Many thanks,

Councillor Elaine Bamford, Leader of Maldon District Council