Local Lynx No.133 - August/September 2020

LOOKING AFTER LOCAL LYNX
covers 10 villages in North Norfolk
published every other month
voluntarily produced by village members
distributed to 1,265 households, pubs, churches,
libraries, tourist information offices and shops
estimated readership 2,000 plus 400+ on-line
readers at www.locallynx.co.uk
Until quite recently, all our production costs (mainly
printing) were covered by donations we receive from Parish
Councils and PCCs, and by advertisements. But, perhaps
due to the trend towards online selling, our advertising
revenue has decreased over the past few years.
Although our overall financial position is still healthy,
we need to make up the shortfall. So we are turning to you,
our readers, for a little help. Firstly, if you run a local
business or service, please consider advertising. Secondly,
we know that you value your Local Lynx and, if you would
like to help ensure its long-term future, then please think
about making a small donation. Six pounds a year would be
£1 per issue; ten pounds a year would be a round sum, but
please give whatever you feel is appropriate.
Our bank details for making a direct BACS transfer are
below or you may donate by cash or cheque. Please email
lynxeditor @pobox.com to arrange this.
Lynx Internet Banking and Standing Orders
Account number: 6500 4288 Sort code: 09-01-54
With special thanks to our individual donors. Ed.
COMMUNITY nEWS
MP UPDATE
…from Duncan Baker
Dear all,
The past few months have been a very challenging time.
As well as Covid-19, the devastating fire at Budgens in Holt
has created problems for those who live and shop in the
town. I’ve been working closely with local stakeholders to
make sure we support the most vulnerable, and local
suppliers who depended on Budgens for much of their
business.
As a result of campaigning by the Norfolk MPs, Ofgem
and National Grid have now been commissioned to look
into ways to support the growth of our offshore wind
industry without compromising the ecology and beauty of
our natural landscape. A report on the available options is
expected in October.
The government’s financial support package has been a
lifeline to many individuals and businesses, but the focus
now moves to how we can support the re-opening of our
economy. ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, a VAT reduction for
tourism and hospitality businesses, and incentives for
employers to keep their employees on over the next few
months are just the start, with more initiatives expected in
the autumn. You can find further details at duncanbaker.
org.uk.
When elected, one of my pledges was to work on
improving mobile coverage and broadband speeds in North
Norfolk. I’m pleased that the government has introduced the
‘Universal Service Obligation’ which enables anyone with
an internet connection slower than 10Mbps to request an
4
upgrade at no cost to the customer. We are also working on
a Shared Rural Network, a UK equivalent of ‘roaming’
which will allow mobile phone users to access the strongest
signal regardless of which network they are on. There is
more to be done, but this is good progress.
Chloe Smith MP and I are working hard on delivering
two major upgrades to healthcare: a new Accident &
Emergency department at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital;
and an Urgent Treatment Centre for Cromer Hospital. These
plans will have several additional benefits – with local
people having less distance to travel to access healthcare;
and enabling ambulances to remain ‘closer to home’, thus
reducing ambulance response times in North Norfolk.
Again, this work is ongoing, but the government is keen to
do all it can to see these major projects delivered.
Over the past few months, my office team and I have
dealt with thousands of enquiries, both Covid-related and on
other issues. If I can help you with any issue, please do
contact me on 01692 557140 or at duncan@duncanbaker.
org.uk.
During July and August I will be touring the whole
constituency, visiting as many of our towns and villages as
possible, meeting constituents, and learning more about the
issues which matter most to you. Details will be available
shortly on my website and via social media and local
newspapers. I look forward to meeting as many of you as
possible over the summer.
COUNTY COUNCILORS’ NEWS
...from Dr. Marie Strong
I hope the following information is useful including as it
covers websites which are continually updated – vital with
the fluctuating situation we face where restrictions are eased
and returned. Worse still is that most if not all of the
restrictions/regulations/advice/guidance (fill in any other
descriptors you have heard) are subject to interpretation.
There is one ‘regulation’ which the scientists advising the
government have stuck by – and which I and I think many
of our residents will applaud – the two metre social
distancing rule:
IMPORTANT: Two Metre Social Distancing Rule
Following a review, the Prime Minister has set out that
where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance
will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre
plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations
which reduce the risk of transmission.
NB. People should continue to stay two metres away
from others whereever possible - the new “one metre plus”
rule does not invalidate this original advice.
Hopefully the statements ‘where it is not possible’ and
‘whereever possible’ are spelt out in the Government’s
website: GOV.UK. Coronarvirus (Corvid-19) – where you
can find other information on coronarvirus including
guidance, support and announcements.
Coronavirus Information and Links from NCC
Other updated sources include www.nhs.uk/corona virus
and Norfolk County Council keying in coronavirus.
Face masks mandatory at NHS Hospitals
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has
announced that all staff in hospitals in England have been
provided with surgical masks with expectation to wear.
Members of the public are strongly urged when attending
hospital to wear a face covering - if not a face mask will be
provided.
Helping others