CAROLINE ANSELL MP: Wishing you the joy and peace of the season

This is disappointing but not wholly unexpected given but the climb in infection rates across East Sussex in recent weeks and experts say it is rapidly replacing other versions of the virus. It isn’t in itself more deadly but looks to be far more transmissible which makes it more threatening.

I have just come off a phone conference with ministers and the deputy chief medical officer who explained the serious situation.

Although the new Tier Four restrictions come into force in the first minute after midnight on Boxing Day, 26th December, I would ask everyone to think through their plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and minimise their risk in every way they can.

The vaccine is undeniably our great hope and it is what will break the cycle here but a very clear message from the call was that it will take months for the vaccine rollout to take significant effect. The virus is here and now and lives will be lost if we do not take safety measures and keep to social distancing.

I know this will be a tough few months for everyone but we will get through it and the vaccine will do its work. 500,000 people across the country – including in Eastbourne - have now had their first jab. It’s a curious Christmas present but nonetheless, as eagerly awaited as the man in red.

I was spotted in my own Santa suit on Sunday and enjoyed my Santa Run in the rain in aid of the Mayor’s charity - People Matter - who do such important work connecting local people to job openings. Its work has never been more important than it is right now. I hit the downs, the seafront and even contrived to buy a gift at lovely Devonshire Stores en route.

Santa style, I got to step out on Tuesday with the Mayor and fundraiser extraordinaire Don McPhee to deliver parcels to local people with Christmas goodies again donated by local people and businesses. My thanks to them all for making a difference in this way.

I would also like to give a shout out to the Rotary Club’s Tree of Light outside the Congress Theatre to remember loved ones. In this pandemic year, the tree has been an inspiration and raised money too. I thank everyone who has donated and the Rotary for going ahead this year.

Christmas can be a difficult time of year in the best of times and these are no ordinary times. So many of our festive events have had to fall, but I was able this week to join members - most virtually - at St John’s Church, Meads & St Michael’s for a beautiful candlelit carol service. And as Christians the world over celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, can I end with wishing you the peace and hope of the season.

Take good care, cherish your loved ones and reach out to all you can.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This column was updated at 6pm on Wednesday December 23 to reflect Eastbourne’s change to Tier Four on Boxing Day.