Dominic Raab

In recent weeks, I have been encouraged by how Walton residents have once again shown great resilience and community spirit during the national lockdown.

As residents will know, these restrictions became necessary due to the impact of a new variant of Coronavirus that spreads 50-70% faster. Rising case numbers put hospitals under more pressure from the virus than at any time since the start of the pandemic, leaving no choice but to take firm action to save lives and safeguard the NHS.

I am acutely aware of how difficult these restrictions are, particularly for businesses in Walton which have endured so much disruption. With this in mind, after the lockdown announcement the Chancellor announced new grants of up to £9,000 per property for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, and a further £594 million for councils to support other businesses. In addition to the existing grant support, this will help local businesses through the lockdown.

Looking ahead, the accelerating vaccination programme offers a route out of the restrictions, and over 2.9 million people had been vaccinated at the time of writing. Vaccinations are proceeding at pace locally. We now have 25 vaccination sites in Surrey, including the Emberbrook Health Centre and The Heart Centre in Elmbridge, and a mass vaccination centre at Epsom Racecourse. You don’t need to ask about getting a vaccine – you will be contacted when you can receive one.

Away from Coronavirus, it was good to catch up virtually with Inspector Bert Dean, the Elmbridge Borough Commander at Surrey Police, in early January. The local police have done an exceptional job in difficult circumstances during the pandemic, so I am grateful for their efforts. I was encouraged to hear that we’ve seen a 50% reduction in burglaries locally and that government funding boosts have seen 6 more officers joining the Elmbridge team. This is good news for Walton residents, with extra officers on the streets keeping crime low.

Dom meeting with Inspector Bert Dean, Elmbridge Borough Commander at Surrey Police