Concern at lack of social distancing in Hastings

Concerns have been raised about the lack of social distancing taking place in the town after pictures of George Street, in Hastings Old Town, were shared on social media on Sunday.

One picture shows a number of people walking down the narrow street, making it very difficult for people to keep their distance.

Hastings Old Town councillor and deputy mayor James Bacon was made aware of the issue and said he would be taking it up with cabinet members at Hastings Borough Council (HBC).

He said: “Hopefully this will focus officer efforts in these hot spot areas where people tend to walk.

“Unfortunately, the government have set the rules but HBC can control our online messaging for visitors to stay away, wear face masks in public and to avoid areas with narrow streets and where it may be open to becoming crowded. I have requested for this messaging to go out online and to be included in our online newsletter.

“If I was down in the Old Town today I would have turned around and walked somewhere different, away from people. Residents don’t have this pleasure so please be considerate when our on your daily exercise.”

Cllr Bacon said the ‘busy nature’ of Sunday may have had something to do with is being the last day of half term.

He added: “My day job is working in a school so it could have been key worker families making the most of the nice weather before children go back to school. However, looking at this photo, it does seem like many people are not being able to socially distance in areas like the Old Town.

“Hopefully the police presence will increase in these hot spot areas and I know our lead member, councillor Paul Barnett, is aware of the issues today and taking this seriously.

“I did see a comment about emailing our MP, Sally-Ann Hart. This is a very sensible move and I agree that doing this will be helpful in our MP relaying these concerns to central government.”