Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

We are all living in an unprecedented period of time. All of us have to rely on our Governments offical expert advice and follow as best as possible.
As I posted yesterday – besides ourselves, we hopefully should be supporting our families, neighbours and friends.
Below is what the National NHW executive sent out to us earlier in the week.
The situation is serious, but panic and fake news will not help the situation.

NHW Encourages Protecting the Isolated and Vulnerable During the Covid 19 Outbreak

Dear Neighbourhood Watch supporters,

You will all be aware of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Neighbourhood Watch exists to look out for communities across England and Wales and at a time like this we encourage you to consider ways to keep yourself, your loved ones and those in your community safe, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. We are following the advice from the government and encourage you to do the same:
 https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

10 ways you, as a Neighbourhood Watch supporter, can protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:

The Prime Minister this afternoon urged the public to ‘look after their neighbours’ – It may not be necessary to actually visit them, a phone call will surfice.

Make sure they know how to access their medications, if they are unable to do their own shopping, see if relations are able to do so, perhaps even offer to do their shop online for them (I have).

From PCSO Jonathan Hall
I managed to have a break and took part in a community event in Whittlesey. It was rather pleasant in the early Spring Sunshine. This was in conjunction with our Neighbourhood Watch colleagues.
A few members of the public coming up for a chat on local issues. After the event we did conduct a Parking patrol in the town.

We are ALL guided by the Government’s advice and I am sure everyone is up-to-date with the latest news – there is no need for me to post anything.
On public events – again ‘we’ have to take onboard the advice we are being given.

I believe at this stage ALL groups should consult and carry out a ‘risk assessment’ as to whether to continue with an event or to cancel/postpone….

A letter written by Cllr Eamonn Dorling and endorsed by myself to MP Steve Barclay on the 30th January has just received a reply.
Whilst I accept some of our questions were a ‘bit’ ambitious ie raising the road level of the B1040 Thorney Road, we highlighed a great deal of issues (ongoing for years and years) and before anyone accuses me of not knowing about the Kings Dyke Bridge – I believe having being involved directly and indirectly – going to a great number of meetings since 2013 am as well qualified to comment as some of those who have never attended any meetings or were even elected when this latest attempt kicked off.
I put MP Barclays letter (which he may or may not have dictated) to a couple of my ‘friends’ – whose comment was ‘Clueless’ – as I have commented before MP Barclay is in ‘cruise control’ with his vast majority – his interest in Whittlesey appears minimal – more focus and interest in a £100+ million pie-in-the-sky Railway Wisbech to March…..

In the latest notice from Cambs CC – about risk and governance of the project – maybe 6 years ago a more controlled risk assessment would have been in order.
The ‘spin’ at present is that the Bridge ‘will’ be completed (I hope so too) by the end of 2022 and is on target – pity then that it is already 6 years ‘overdue’ – How does that make it on time?