In view of recent Government guidance on self isolation and social distancing the Clerk, on behalf of the Parish Council, has made the following decisions with immediate effect  –

• All Council meetings up to and including Wednesday 15th April 2020 are cancelled;
• All Brannel Room bookings up to and including Friday 1st May 2020 are cancelled;
• The public toilets at Nanpean and St Stephen will be closed up to Friday 10th April 2020; and
• The Parish Council office is closed to all visitors up to and including Tuesday 31st March.

Any planning applications, including those due to be discussed at the meeting scheduled for Wednesday 18th March 2020, will be considered by the Clerk, under delegated authority, after consultation with the relevant committee members. The details of all applications are posted on the website planning page and members of the public can still give their comments by contacting the Clerk on office@ststepheninbrannel-pc.org.uk or 01726 823003.  Parish Councils can not legally hold virtual meetings however the Government is looking to pass emergency legislation to allow this. If this is the case, an update will be posted on the website and social media pages of how you can join in.

All hirers of the Brannel Room will be contacted direct regarding their booking(s).

Although the Parish Council office is closed, the Clerk is currently contactable through the office by email or phone. Please be aware that following latest guidance, some Councillors and staff have been advised to self isolate so there may be a delay in responding to your query. At the time of writing, the guidance is that those aged 70 and over, pregnant women and anyone with an underlying health condition stop all non essential social contact. In addition, if anyone in your household is displaying symptoms of coronavirus then your whole household should self-isolate for 14 days. That means not leaving your home or having other people visit and if necessary having food and supplies brought to you. You can find the latest Government advice and how it applies to you HERE

It is in times such as these that strong communities pull together and look out for one another, and it is evident by social media posts offering help that St Stephen in Brannel Parish is one of these communities. You might be one of the fortunate people and not be effected by the virus; if so please do what you can to care for your family, friends and neighbours. If you are unable to leave your house, please think about phoning any one in the same situation to offer moral support at this worrying time, particularly the elderly or those at risk.