Message from the Mayor of Eastbourne

If ever there was a time for Eastbournians to pull together, it is now.
Eastbourne mayor Steve Wallis SUS-191127-131620001Eastbourne mayor Steve Wallis SUS-191127-131620001
Eastbourne mayor Steve Wallis SUS-191127-131620001

These are unprecedented times, not seen since the last war.

As numerous mayoral events are cancelled or postponed, including the major charity event that was due to be held on March 28, it time to stop and think about what is facing our great town.

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It is difficult to know where to start. Eastbourne is a destination town for tourism and conferences, and to hear from those involved in the hospitality industry on how their businesses, and their employees, are facing cancellations, poor bookings or uncertainty is extremely worrying.

I do hope that central government can arrange a fiscal package that ensures all those involved in hospitality and entertainment are protected, be they hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, pubs, clubs, theatres etc.

Those involved in the health care systems, as always should have our admiration and respect. The consultants, doctors, nurses, paramedics, porters, care home workers, carers, administrators, indeed anyone who is involved in ensuring we are protected or cared for, we salute you all.

The many community groups and volunteers will no doubt be doing their usual sterling work, I thank all those who are giving their time for free and those who make donations.

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The voluntary sector here in Eastbourne is to be admired and never underestimated, and during these troubling times their support will be vital.

When will this pandemic end, when can we see the back of Coronavirus? I do not think anybody knows.

All I would urge my fellow residents of Eastbourne to do is to follow the medical advice, listen to government announcements and avoid unnecessary risks.

As always, during testing times, our thoughts should be with those most susceptible or vulnerable. There are so many groups that we need to consider: the over 70s, those with underlining health issues, the homeless, low income households, those who are pregnant and those whose elbows are not as sharp as others!

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It saddens me to see some of our Eastbourne’s residents behaving appallingly and fleecing supermarkets shelves of goods in an act of selfish self-preservation.

It is a time for communities to pull together and support those most in need. Contact your neighbours, see if they have what they require, donate to those organisations who are depend on goodwill and between us all we will ensure Eastbourne not only survives this period of uncertainty but thrives once we are through.

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