I’m very pleased to see the new coronavirus testing facility open at Fairhaven Road Car Park.
This facility is available by appointment only for anyone displaying symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
Anyone with symptoms should call 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for an appointment.
With test results coming back quicker than ever, and a huge increase in testing capacity, this facility will help us reduced the coronavirus transmission rate in Fylde.
I spoke to the chief executive at Blackpool Victoria Hospitals NHS Trust this week; it was shocking to hear just a few weeks ago, the Vic was among the highest number of patients in hospitals across the country.
While the situation has improved slightly since then, it is vital we adhere to the lockdown rules and regulations. Hopefully we will see the initial results of the lockdown in next week’s figures from the trust.
All of the Government’s new coronavirus support funding schemes are now up and running for this second lockdown. Any business owner who needs to make a claim or needs help should contact Fylde Council at covidbusinessgrant@fylde.co.uk to see which schemes businesses are eligible for.
I also met with farmers this week to discuss the implications of coronavirus and Brexit on the industry. They expressed concern over new immigration controls and how they may affect the entire food production industry – and I will be taking the matter up with ministers on their behalf.
We also discussed flooding and it was incredibly useful to hear further evidence of where maintenance needs to be carried out across Fylde.
Today is the final day to respond to Lancashire County Council’s consultation on parking – including the proposal to bring in parking meters along the Promenade from Fairhaven to St Annes. The proposals do not include any provisions to protect residential parking on streets just off the Promenade, and I fear the proposals may harm St Annes town centre.
Have your say at tro-consultation@lancashire.gov.uk.