“Behave responsibly” appeal ahead of weekend

Published Friday, 3rd July 2020

Ahead of the lockdown easing still further with the re-opening of many pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses this weekend, residents of Hartlepool are being urged to behave responsibly.

In particular, Hartlepool Borough Council is calling on them to respect social distancing rules and to ensure they practice good hygiene at all times.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of the Council, said: “Now is not the time to become complacent.

“We want people to be able to enjoy themselves and to experience a sense of normality by popping out to a pub or restaurant from Saturday (July 4th) but we all have a responsibility to follow the rules and ensure that our actions do not contribute to a resurgence in COVID-19.

“Most people have followed the rules since the country was placed in lockdown several months and my message would be – why take the risk now?”

Members of the Council’s new team of Community Street Ambassadors - set up to provide a reassuring presence to residents and visitors - will be out and about over the weekend.

Parents are also being urged to ensure they know where their children are, and to impress upon them the importance of following social distancing rules. Following a number of recent “lockdown incidents” of anti-social behaviour which have resulted in damage to Council property and equipment across town, the Council  is also asking for parents’ support in ensuring that their children do not misbehave.

Gill Alexander, the Council’s Chief Executive, added: “We are beginning to see an easing of the lockdown and it is important that we do that. People have livelihoods that need protecting, and we also recognise the huge sacrifices that people have made in abiding by the rules and regulations of the lockdown to date.

“However, it is important to acknowledge that we are not yet entirely out of the woods and it is important that we do not let our guard down at this critical point in the battle against the virus.”