Biggleswade and Sandy Town Councils cancel events due to Coronavirus crisis

It has been announced that Street Food Heroes events in Biggleswade for April and May have been cancelled, while the ‘VE75 Celebrations’, along with other events, are due to be discussed at Full Council meeting on March 24.

However, a meeting of Biggleswade Joint Committee was cancelled on March 19.

Cllr Steven Watkins, deputy executive member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, issued an email on March 19 to the town council, which stated: “The advice is that given the Joint Committee is not going to be quorate and therefore cannot make decisions, it is best to suspend this afternoon given the wider circumstances.

“I apologise for the late notice but you will appreciate that in this environment advice changes regularly and has indeed from this morning. I will work on ensuring the April meeting can convene remotely and all agenda items will be carried forward.”

Meanwhile, Sandy Town Council has issued a statement to the Chronicle in light of the Coronavirus crisis.

A spokesman for the authority said: “Residents are aware the current government advice on Coronavirus has meant that many community groups, local organisations and charities have had to make the difficult decision to postpone or cancel upcoming events.

“Sandy Town Council is also reviewing all events it was due to hold or be involved with, along with the frequency and process of its council meetings. Decisions are been made by the council in line with emerging advice from the government and National Association of Local Councils.

“In line with the advice received the first 2020 monthly Streetfood Market which was to be held in Sandy on April 10 has been cancelled and the Sandy Green Wheel community litter picks are to be postponed from April until later in the year to fit in with the new Great British Spring Clean dates.

“We are currently reviewing other events including its VE Day Street Party, which was to be held on May 8 and it is likely this event will be postponed until August.

“Sandy Town Council is determining the most practical and efficient ways to ensure business and decision-making continuity.

“This may involve the cancelling of some council meetings and holding shorter meetings focusing only on priority business.

“The town council presently remains open for business as usual, but to help minimise contact across the community, instead of coming to visit us at 10 Cambridge Road, please contact us by phone 01767 681 491 or email [email protected] first.

“The council will not be taking any bookings for its 10 Cambridge Road meeting room.

“Links to the most up to date and reliable advice can be found on the town council website.”