Eastbourne MP fears businesses and job losses following government road map

The road map was published yesterday and laid out the steps which will see the nation ease out of lockdown.

Step one of the gradual lifting of restrictions will begin no sooner than March 8 with the opening of schools and colleges for all students being the key change.

The road map is set to be concluded no earlier than June 21 which would see no legal limit on social gatherings as the country returns to pre-covid normality.

MP Caroline Ansell said, “This road map has given many sectors in Eastbourne clarity on how and when they can reopen, subject to tests being met, and I welcome this.

“I understand the government has to be cautious as we cannot risk opening up only to enter another lockdown. I also very much welcome schools reopening and businesses support and furlough continuing.

“However, this doesn’t stop real fears that businesses and jobs will be lost in Eastbourne and Willingdon before those dates to reopen come around for pubs and restaurants, for hotels, B&Bs, wedding venues, theatres and a host of other places.”

Despite her fears about the future of local businesses, Mrs Ansell wants to do everything in her power as a member of parliament to help those who are struggling.

Mrs Ansell said, “My job now is to do all I can to help those businesses who are suffering access all the support and advice they need to get to their date and be able to open again.

“We need VAT to remain at five per cent and extra help with businesses rates, loans and grants to give as many businesses a chance as we can. I will continue to make the case for this support with the Treasury ahead of the budget.”

As social distancing measures remain in place, Mrs Ansell said she also understands how difficult the situation can be on the public as they wait for their vaccination but ensures that healthcare for those suffering from the virus is improving.

She said, “With social contact still very restricted, these last weeks are going to continue to be undeniably hard for very many of us but we have an excellent vaccine roll out that seems to be cutting transmission and serious illness from covid.

“We have better ways of treating covid patients; we have better testing. These are game changing positives that mean we can be optimistic that life will get back to normal by June 21.”