Ashfield council COVID-19 committee eyes Hucknall market extension amid plans for recovery or second wave

The response and recovery scrutiny committee met on Thursday, July 30, to begin its work reviewing the council’s actions during the crisis and developing policies for the district’s recovery.

Vice chairman Jim Blagden said: “There’s no doubt that the council did a lot of things very well during the lockdown.

"Our job as a committee will be to evaluate what we did well and how we can improve in case of a second wave or a local lockdown.”

The committee will be prioritising preparations for a potential second wave.

That includes looking at the council’s own operational staffing arrangements, and improving multi-agency work with partners such as the NHS, social care professions, and the police.

They will also look at how the council can improve support for small businesses and Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton town centres during the recovery phase.

Coun Blagden said: “We will be looking at various options to increase footfall in places like Hucknall, such as extending the market with themed days like a farmer’s market and a plant market.”

Councillors at the meeting heard reports on the support provided to the district’s most vulnerable residents in the first few months of lockdown.

Coun Blagden said: "I would like to put on record my thanks to the council staff and volunteers across our district. They have been wonderful.

"This committee will be vital and ensure residents’ voices are heard right at the heart of this council."

Plans for a public memorial to the heroes of the pandemic have also been discussed, and it was agreed that it will now pay tribute to all key workers, not just the NHS.

Details of a public consultation process will be confirmed in September.

Committee member Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall North ward, added: “The people of Hucknall did us proud, and the town is already fighting back – we always do.

“This committee is crucial and I welcome the focus on how we support small businesses in Hucknall and across the district.”