Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) has urged the government and Essex County Council to support local businesses by not forcing Uttlesford under Covid Tier 3 restrictions until at least after the Christmas bank holiday shutdown. For the last 2 months Uttlesford has consistently had significantly lower infection rates than most other areas in Essex and East Herts. In addition R4U’s administration at UDC has approved a local £1m Covid local economy recovery programme.

Cllr Lodge continued “The run up to Christmas is so important for local businesses, many who are surviving on a cliff edge. At UDC over the weekend we wrote to the government and ECC to ask that they delay any decision to move Uttlesford to Tier 3 until at least the start of the Christmas break. That week will likely make little difference to infection rates, but could keep many businesses afloat that rely on pre-Christmas trade. With infections in Uttlesford more comparable to low levels in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, it would seem that Uttlesford residents and businesses have done their part and heeded government advice. All we’re asking is that the government acknowledge this fact and support our economy right now.”

About Residents for Uttlesford
Residents for Uttlesford (R4U) is the local independent party of north-west Essex towns and villages. Formed in 2014 by a number of residents’ groups, the party believes that on local issues residents should decide, not Westminster parties.
R4U leads Uttlesford District Council (UDC). It is the fastest growing local political movement in its district. In its first election in 2015 it became the second party at UDC. In 2017 it solidified its position with a further by-election gain with 60% of the vote. In the May 2019 Local Elections R4U gained majority control of UDC winning two-thirds of the seats. The result delivered the biggest loss of seats by any UK Conservative controlled council in the UK.
R4U’s success has been based on the desire to give local people a voice and implement long range strategic and sustainable plans for their area.
R4U also leads Saffron Walden Town Council, where under its stewardship the council has rebuilt finances, invested in community assets, and won multiple awards, including the best run council in Essex. It is a minority party on Great Dunmow Town Council.
Residents for Uttlesford can be found on the web at www.residents4u.org.