'We are going to be looking at measures to help Midhurst recover'

Carol Lintott, who has been on the council since 2007, was officially elected as chairman at the annual meeting last Monday, after taking over from Mark Purves in February.

“It’s going to be for the town to think about how we live with Covid-19 going forward,” she said.

“Sadly, I think we are going to be with it for a while. As a council, we are going to be looking at measures to help the town recover. That’s our primary thoughts when we can get back to normal.”

The issue was discussed at the community, environment meeting on Tuesday night, and cllr Lintott said one of the main aims will be helping local businesses recover from the crisis.

She added: “We are putting together a business newsletter for our retailers and see how we can support them going forward.

“The town has a list of projects we have in progress that we need to kickstart again once we can. Things like planting in North Street which will bring in flowers to cheer everybody up. They are on track to be delivered by the beginning of June. Hopefully that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces when they go up.

“We’ve pretty much doubled our budget on that this year, so I’m looking forward to a good display.”

During the pandemic, councillors have been working closely with the Midhurst Angels to help residents who are struggling and need support.

“We threw our arms around it and said let’s do it together,” cllr Lintott said.

“We have helped them financially and it’s been very hands on in helping our residents. I man the phone one day a week and Jeanette Sutton, our new vice chairman, is also very involved with the angels. She has been busy making masks during lockdown. I’m very much looking forward to working with Jeanette as a new team going forward.”

Councillor Lintott said towns all over the country have ‘changed immeasurably’ and the priority will be making sure Midhurst recovers.

She said: "I am humbled by this show of support by my colleagues to lead the council for the next year and initially through this difficult period.

"As a council we look forward to being able to work towards helping build the town's recovery and delivering those initiatives the council has had to put on hold as soon as we are able.

“It would be a lovely aim to keep spirits up and try to move forward and bring in new things in the town.

"We want to make Midhurst known as a safe place to work, shop and live. That would be our immediate aim for the rest of this year.”

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