Welcome to our Town and Parish Council newsletter Below you’ll find all the latest news and messages from us including public health guidance, national advice around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as local news. Do please visit our website for further information. In this issue: Latest Covid information Local news Latest Covid information Public Health update on COVID-19 cases in Dorset Cases of COVID-19 remain low in Dorset. Between 28 July and 3 August, there were six confirmed positive cases in the Dorset Council area. Latest updates from Public Health Dorset Face coverings mandatory in more indoor settings from Saturday Currently you’re required to wear face coverings in shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, indoor transport hubs and public transport. From Saturday 8 August this will be expanded to include more indoor settings. If you’re unable to wear a face covering because of a disability or another reason, you don’t have to prove you are exempt from wearing one. Latest guidance on face coverings and where to wear one What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell Get a test now and don’t leave home for at least 10 days if you have either: A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back A new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly Loss or change in sense or smell or taste. You can find more information and advice about COVID-19 on the NHS website. The page is being updated regularly and is the best place to go for the latest health information. Self-isolation guidance and social distancing guidance is available in other languages. For latest national updates and wider advice on COVID-19, please visit the Government website. Local news Agencies prepared for crowds and very hot weather this weekend Partner agencies across Dorset are encouraging people to enjoy Dorset safely this weekend, as temperatures are expected to reach highs of around 27 degrees. Find out more Weymouth superloos opening this weekend The new Weymouth Seafront toilet and beach office facility will be opening from Saturday 8 August. Cllr Gary Suttle from Dorset Council and Cllr David Northam from Weymouth Town Council were there at the official handover. Find out more Advance works start ahead of track removal Drainage investigation works will soon be starting on Commercial Road in Weymouth ahead of the railway track removal this October. Find out more Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme Fancy helping out a local business while eating some great food? From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. Find places to eat near you More libraries reopening in Dorset Libraries in Shaftesbury, Verwood and Swanage are planning to open on Monday 10 August. Find out more Don’t lose your voice We’ll soon be sending out a form to all households in the Dorset Council area asking you to check if information on the electoral register is correct. Find out more Dorset Road Fix 2020 – August sites Dorset Highways maintenance gangs are out across the county continuing to repair road damage. Find out where we’ll be in August Rent or mortgage worries? Don’t delay in seeking help With possession hearings due to restart on 23 August, seek help as soon as possible if you’re struggling with rent or mortgage payments. Find out more Dorset Council and Lyme Regis Town Council remain in active discussions regarding the future of local information services in Lyme Regis. Find out more Investing in residential roads Resurfacing work has started this week to permanently repair Dorset’s most damaged residential roads. Earlier this year, the Department for Transport awarded us £9.1m as part of the Governments £1.7bn injection of funding to local highway authorities across the country through the newly created Transport Infrastructure Investment Fund. Find out more Thinking of creating a new home office? With many of us feeling the squeeze working at home, converting the loft or garage are tempting options to create much-needed space. Did you know our Building Control team can guide you through the process, saving you time and money, and giving you peace of mind. You’ll also find advice and ideas for garage and loft conversions on the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) website, which provides information for homeowners and developers. Building Control – here to help |