Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) have announced a range of new measures designed to keep residents and businesses protected from the impact of the coronavirus.

On Monday (March 23) and Tuesday (March 24), EEBC released statements regarding residents and businesses in the borough, with both receiving instructions and details of support from the council.

For residents, EEBC urged everyone to follow the government's most recent measures, announced on Monday, designed to slow the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Rules such as staying at home except for food or essential work will be enforced in the borough.

EEBC said they hope to help residents in the borough who want to volunteer during the epidemic do so.

"We are directing those who wish to help their community to contact Central Surrey Voluntary Action (CSVA) who are registering a pool of potential volunteers who may be able to assist voluntary organisations across Epsom and Ewell during the current pandemic," a spokesperson said, directing those interested towards the Surrey County Council website.

Meanwhile, council services are being impacted.

EEBC said that playgrounds, and Epsom Town Hall would both close indefinitely, while parks in the borough will remain open for the permitted one hour of exercise per day.

Epsom cemetary will now close from 3.30pm for the forseeable future, EEBC said, while garden waste collection has ceased to prioritize household waste collection.

Regarding businesses, EEBC confirmed that Epsom market will remain open for traders to continue to supply food produce for residents.

Loans and grants offered by the government should also be sought out as needed, EEBC urged businesses in the borough.

From the Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, Councillor Eber Kington:

“I want to reassure everyone that we are determined to keep vital services running during the current situation and provide the support everyone needs, especially the elderly and vulnerable.

“We also know that our local businesses are facing an uncertain financial future, so I am highlighting some of the measures that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is taking, in line with the new Government guidelines, alongside other initiatives which may be of help”.

An EEBC list of available help businesses in the borough can apply for in addition to support from central government is reproduced below:

Temporary business rates retail discount

The Borough Council will be re-billing all local businesses with properties below £51,000 rateable value to provide for a year’s “holiday” break from business rate payments.

Out of hours deliveries

To support the community and local retailers providing essential products, we will not be enforcing any breaches in planning conditions related to out of hours deliveries.

Hot food takeaway

To support our restaurants and pubs, we will waive the requirement for planning permission to be obtained so pubs and restaurants can operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak. This follows the government suggesting that regulations be relaxed to enable businesses to deliver this service without a planning application.

Statutory sick pay

For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded by the government in full.