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'Not Acceptable' - Council's Response To Cowes Man's Deliberate Dot Removal

The deliberate washing away of social distancing markers in Cowes High Street is 'not acceptable', according to the Isle of Wight Council.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, a former town councillor removed the dots - which are used to mark two-metres - because they 'project an image of fear'.

John Corby told Isle of Wight Radio: 

"All I did was remove three dots in front of my house as a sign of defiance against a dystopian Orwellian future which we all seem to be sleepwalking towards."

However, the Isle of Wight Council has taken a dim view of Mr Corby's actions. A spokesperson says they will be reinstated:

"The council has had a conversation with the resident who chose to remove social distancing markers from the public highway and has made it clear that while this person may not personally agree with the measures, this is not acceptable.

"The guidance markers will be reinstated to ensure that we are providing guidance on social distancing as we work to enable a safe reopening of the Island’s high streets.

"To ensure that public spaces that are next to businesses are as safe as possible, temporary changes are needed to be made to the physical environment. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has provided the Reopening the High Street Safely Fund (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reopening-high-streets-safely-fund-guidance) to assist local authorities with the cost of putting in place additional measures to establish a safe trading environment for businesses and customers, particularly in high streets, through measures that extend to the end of March 2021."

As Isle of Wight Radio exclusively revealed earlier today (Friday), more than £65,000 of £126,269 - provided by Government - has so far been spent by the Isle of Wight Council.

The money has gone towards installing the new coronavirus guidance in the Island's high streets.

 

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