Arun District council leader speaks out as Bognor and Littlehampton prepares to move into tier 4

That was the message from leader of Arun District Council, Dr James Walsh, as West Sussex, including Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, prepares to enter tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions from Boxing Day.

As coronavirus cases soar across the county, health secretary Matt Hancock said tougher restrictions were needed to tackle a new, more contagious strain of the infection spreading across the south of England.

"It is needed to protect ourselves most of all, our neighbours and of course the NHS.

"Although vaccination has started with the over 80’s, it will be many months before enough of the population are immune to prevent spread. We must raise our interim defences, keeping isolated, going out as little as possible to shops or friends only outdoors, and continuing to wear masks, wash hands frequently, and maintain social distancing.

"The Community Hub will continue to operate for those in need of help, food or medicines, and those who need to speak to a GP must do so, and to use A&E only in emergency.

"Meanwhile, we must knuckle down to the new restrictions, watch out for our neighbours, and enjoy Christmas and New Year in a very quiet way this year."

'It's disappointing that we will have to close again ... but health comes first'

Non-essential businesses will again be forced to close under tier 4 restrictions.

Bognor Regis BID said it will will continue to support businesses in the best way it can 'under these difficult circumstances', by sharing and signposting to relevant information, and directing them to financial and other support available from relevant bodies.

A spokesperson said: "In addition, the BID will continue to provide the Community Warden (part funded by Bognor Regis Town Council) and all services of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership."

Former BID chairman Paul Wells, who owns Unique Workwear in London Road, said the latest restrictions were 'disappointing' but stressed that 'health is the first priority'.

He added: "It's been a rollercoaster year. For most businesses, it's been a very challenging and uncertain time but we just have to get on with it.

"We would like to wish everybody a happy Christmas and hopefully we have a better new year."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.