March 2020

A new collection point for our local food bank will be available starting this Saturday (28th March). All those of you who can give donations should bring them to the Library foyer in Market Street between 10am and 12 noon on Saturdays and Mondays. The box will be placed very close to the door so you can simply drop your donations in. Obviously, the Town Council Office and the Library itself is closed, and if there is a queue for donations, please observe social distancing and only access the box one person at a time. At the moment, the Food Bank is in particular need of hair shampoo, shower gel, deodorants; spray cleaner, washing up liquid and clothes washing powder/liquid (along with plastic bottles/bags to decant large bottles into smaller quantities). Foods should be in cans or packets, and current particular needs are for Weetabix, jam, and tinned fruits (especially peaches and pears) and tinned carrots and peas. No fresh fruit or vegetables, please – these are sourced directly by the Food Bank in Penzance. We look forward to a tremendous and ongoing response from the community of St Just, and for thinking of others at this time.

For those who are in need of support from the Food Bank, because a change of circumstances means they have no money coming in at present and no savings, please contact a referring organisation e.g. your G.P. surgery, Citizens Advice, the Job Centre or your child’s school. They will pass on your details, along with any particular requests, to the Food Bank organisers. Food Bank deliveries are on Thursdays.

Last week, the Government ordered certain businesses – including pubs, cinemas and theatres – to close.

The Government is now extending this requirement to a further set of businesses and other venues, including:

• all non-essential retail stores – this will include clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail salons; and outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets.
• libraries, community centres, and youth centres.
• indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities.
• communal places within parks, such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms.
• places of worship, except for funerals attended by immediate families.
• hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers).

There is a requirement for play areas to be closed today so Pendeen Playpark will be closed today.

The full council meeting tonight is now cancelled along with all other meetings; until further notice. The Town Council will be putting in place working at home arrangements from Tuesday 24th March 2020. To Contact the Council please send emails to either support@stjust.org or townclerk@stjust.org. Please don’t visit the Library and the Council Offices; which will remain closed until further notice.

The Library was open today and is due to open again on Saturday morning, although staff numbers are down. Lots of the Libraries in Cornwall are already shut or shutting today or tomorrow. This Saturday may be the last chance to take books out before this Library is required to follow suit and close.

We have been informed that Cornwall Council premises will remain open whilst it is safe to do so, and precautions taken based on the Public Health advice. The Library and Information Services are an essential lifeline for some members of our communities so will currently remain open, but they are investigating what practical precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Library events and activities are cancelled, to reduce the risk of infection.

Cas Leo is the new Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for St Just in Penwith Town Council.