Since the last update, very little has changed in the way of service provision and changes in the local community, but below are a few brief points and reminders which you might find helpful.
In the meantime, it is worth bearing in mind that the government is due to announce whether or not there will be any changes to the current rules around social distancing and self-isolation. This is due to take place this weekend. If there are changes and some restrictions are lifted, a further update will be provided to let you know how this might affect life and services in the local community.
Please remember that updates and notices are regularly posted on the village website www.eltonderbyshire.com
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Updates, Reminders and Points for Clarification
1) Waste Collections
This Friday is a Bank Holiday to mark VE Day. Waste collection crews will be working throughout the Bank Holiday, so there will be no changes to your waste collections.
Please remember that garden waste collections are still suspended until further notice and food waste is being collected fortnightly along with your general household waste. Derbyshire Dales District Council and Serco have now resolved many of the problems they faced at the start of the outbreak and collections appear to be running to schedule. Discussion are now taking place to get garden waste and food waste collections back on schedule as well. As soon as I have more information I will let you know.
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2) Household Waste & Recycling Centres
Derbyshire County Council is looking at ways it can reopen the household waste and recycling centres. This is taking some time as measures need to be in place to ensure social distancing measures can be applied, queuing traffic can be managed and that the removal and disposal of waste can take place. Again, as soon as I have further details, I will be in touch.
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3) Bonfires
A reminder that Derbyshire Dales District Council is appealing to households to think of others and not light bonfires during the current coronavirus lockdown. The effects of bonfires at this time are likely to be much more serious and have a bigger impact. Coronavirus is known to cause serious respiratory problems, which could be made much worse if the sufferer is exposed to smoke from bonfires.
It is important to be especially considerate at this time, when people are confined to their homes and unable to escape unpleasant fumes. Bonfires can also become out of control or cause accidents, creating extra pressure on our already busy emergency services. The District Council will take enforcement action against any persistent offenders.
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4) Clarification on Social Distancing, Testing and Lockdown Policy
A firm but polite reminder that the Parish Council nor your District Councillor have any powers to enforce social distancing restrictions or tell people how they should behave. In recent weeks, they have received a number of calls and emails complaining about people who appear to be breaching the guidelines on social distancing. Such complaints include people who appear to be visiting second homes, meeting with family and friends or out non-essential business.
The Parish Council can only encourage social distancing – not enforce it. The Parish Council has taken what steps it can to encourage people to follow the guidelines. This has been done in a balanced and considered way.
Social distancing measures are enforced by Derbyshire Police. They have the legal powers to disperse groups of people and send people home who should not be where they are. You can report any such issues to Derbyshire Police online at https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures/
Furthermore, people have been in touch with the Parish Council and District Councillor to comment and criticise government policy on dealing with Coronavirus and the lockdown policies, as well as enquire or comment on the process for testing for COVID-19. These issues are way above the responsibility of Parish or District Council and should be directed to your MP.
Stay safe.
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Elton, Derbyshire 
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