The Prime Minister returned to Number 10 following his convalescence from the Coronavirus today. In a statement from Downing Street he told the nation that there are "real signs now that we are passing through the peak" and thanked the public for their forbearance. In response to many calls to start relaxing the restrictions, however, he said that this was the "moment of maximum risk" and that the lockdown needs to continue in its current form for a while longer to manage the risk of a second peak that could overwhelm the NHS.
I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to greater transparency around the decisions that the government is making. So far, there has been an unprecedented degree of support and compliance for the lockdown measures, but to keep that going in the longer term, I think the public need to keep understanding why we're being asked to do it.
POST OFFICE CLOSURES
I was alarmed to receive notice from the Post Office on Friday, about closures throughout the constituency, and asked them for more information. I am happy to be able to report back as follows:
The Triangle KT1 3RU - The Triangle is now open 10-5 Monday to Friday and 10 – 1 Saturday.
Tudor Drive KT2 5QG – The branch closed after staff were forced to self-isolate as they had a confirmed case. The Area Team are continuing to try to contact the branch to establish when they are likely to reopen.
Castlenau SW13 9ER – Unfortunately, staff in this branch are all in the high-risk group vulnerable to the disease and are now self-isolating as a precaution. The Postmaster is currently attempting to recruit new staff but the branch will remain closed until new staff can be appointed temporarily.
Mortlake High Street SW14 8HR – This branch is now back open from 11am to 1pm Monday to Friday.
Kew Gardens TW9 3QD – The Postmaster is, unfortunately, in the high risk group vulnerable to the disease and has been forced to self-isolate as a precaution. We have no further information as to when this branch is likely to reopen.
Post Offices are an important part of the community, and I will be working hard to ensure these essential shops are open as soon and as safely as possible.
RICHMOND NEWS
LIVE CHAT WITH COUNCIL LEADER GARETH ROBERTS
Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts has asked me to let Richmond residents know that he will be taking questions from the public next week regarding the Council’s response to Covid-19. This live virtual chat with residents will take place on Saturday 2 May from 12:00-1:00pm via the Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lbrut . Cllr Roberts will providing information and answering questions on areas such as the new Community Hub, changes to local service provision and what residents and businesses can do to help. If you are unable to take part, you can submit your questions in advance to: events@richmond.gov.uk
Cllr Gareth Roberts says: “In these unprecedented times, it’s essential that we try new ways of reaching our residents and enabling them to ask questions and raise concerns about the borough’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus. This is a great opportunity for us to get direct feedback from residents about how the lockdown is affecting them, their families and neighbours.”
HAM YOUTH CENTRE ACTIVITIES
Ham Youth Centre is working to keep 11-19 year olds connected and engaged during the current lockdown. They have set up a weekday schedule of fun activities. I am attaching their schedule, and if you or anyone you know, wants to get more information please email Ben Skelton at Achieving for Children – his email is ben.skelton@achievingforchildren.org.uk.
KINGSTON NEWS
KINGSTON LIBRARIES
Kingston Libraries has been working hard to help Kingston residents through this crisis. You can continue to get e-books and audio books from them by signing up online at
They are also creating a virtual book group for anyone who loves to talk about books. Each month they will be setting a theme for discussion, and you can choose a book that speaks to that theme to you to talk about.
If you want to get involved in this please fill in the form in the following link: https://t.co/EdpozhWXed?amp=1. I am also attaching their weekly schedule for online events, with activities for the entire family to do.
NEW COMMUNITY LEARNING AND WELLBEING NEWSLETTER Kingston Adult Education has launched a weekly Community Learning & Wellbeing newsletter detailing free online meditation, health and wellbeing courses. The workshops cover everything from mindfulness and meditation to managing stress and anxiety. Please note due to demand places are limited, so don’t miss out! To receive weekly updates and enrolment details please email communitylearningkae@kingston.org.uk
As always, please contact me if you need assistance, and please subscribe to my newsletter at www.saraholneymp.org.uk/subscribe if you have received this from someone else.
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