A prominent Felixstowe councillor has cautiously welcomed Boris Johnson's announcement last night as the country moves from a 'stay at home' to a stay alert' phase to ease lockdown restrictions.

Steve Wiles, who is a councillor with Suffolk County, East Coast District and Felixstowe Town councils, is confident the area will come back strongly following the coronavirus crisis, but has urged patience as a balance is found between kick-starting the local economy and ensuring the safety of employees, residents, carers and NHS staff.

"Our town has the tenacity to bounce back from this crisis and we can be sure that our local community will show its continuing support," said Cllr Wiles. "Returning to a "new normal" will be a challenge, but it is a challenge that our town will rise to."

Cllr Wiles is the Suffolk County Councillor for Felixstowe Coastal and an East Suffolk District councillor, which e responsible for a range of services, including waste collection.

Recycling centres are starting to reopen and garden waste collections are due to resume later this month while other services will be stepped up at all local authority levels over a period of time.

"We will need wider support to make changes which balance providing our services with ensuring people can keep safe and well," said Cllr Wiles. "Of course, any measures to support people's incremental return to places of work and education will have an impact on these places and the wider council services we provide.

"Councils are busy exploring how they can manage transition to the 'new normal' while minimising the spread of infection."

Businesses in the seaside town have been seriously hit by the lockdown but Cllr Wiles believes previous investment, an estimated £1billion over the past ten years, and plans previously agreed and just put on pause, leaves the Felixstowe area in a strong position going forward quickly.

The Local Plan is going through its final consultation period, a new state of the art school is planned along with improved tourism attractions, and new homes.

Cllr Wiles added: "This positive trend is due to continue with many exciting new ventures about to be announced or begin construction.

"As our authorities start to move into a recovery phase, plans and strategies will be announced to help and assist our communities and follow any new Government guidelines. 

 

"We will face this task together, we will face it with confidence."

 

When not dealing with council issues, Steve is an experienced retailer, first with Furniture Village, now with Glasswells, and believes the number of talented businessmen in the town, supported by Felixstowe Forward gives the town an edge in making the transition.

He said: "All that experience helps. People outside the industry do not understand the day to day issues within the retail industry.

"We are extremely lucky to have such experienced business owners doing their level best for people.

"They are mindful of opening a safe environment for customers and staff and until government has got a complete grip on the issue, it is going to be long, hard struggle.

"Some businesses are champing at the bit, especially those independents but for larger employers it remains a very difficult balance."

Having to a long and strong affinity with Felixstowe means Steve is not surprised at the way the community has responded

Steve said: There are too many to mention and it would be unfair to leave anyone out but people like Graham Denny and his team at Basic Life have been superstars. They were in the best position to help and got food to people within hours of being asked and continue to provide an excellent service."

Facts delivering prescriptions, Citizens Advice, Helping Hands and the Level Youth Services are also among organisations that have stepped up.

He added: "Everyone has contributed in getting us to this point; The Government providing grants and keeping the nation informed and safe.

 

"Our local authorities organising grant payments, procurement of PPE, shielding the vulnerable in our communities. 

 

"Our superb volunteer groups, who have worked tirelessly to provide food, shopping, prescriptions, and local support. 

 

"And every single person who has followed advice to stay at home, keep your distance, and help our NHS."

Although the tourism industry, including Felixstowe pier, Manning's, bars, restaurants and clubs, may still have to wait a while, more businesses will be opening this week as the town moves slowly to a new normal.

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