CORONAVIRUS (COVID–19)
First and foremost, we wish to extend our very best wishes to all of our clients, customers, colleagues and their families during these uncertain times, many of whom will be friends and associates of ours for many years and in some cases for generations. To our farmers and producers who are absolutely crucial to feeding our nation, we thank you for your ongoing efforts and we are determined to continue to help you and all of our clients as we have for nearly 130 years. As the Coronavirus situation develops, Lodge & Thomas wish to keep you updated to advise you of our actions and procedures as we continue to provide our services whilst also doing everything we can to protect the health of our colleagues, clients and their families.
Our Lemon Street office remains open but in a different way. We have changed our working practices to ensure that appropriate social distancing and sanitising measures are in place. All face to face meetings must be by prior appointment, and where they do occur all parties must observe at least the minimum 2 metre distancing between individuals (one 1 metre PLUS as face mask) in line with Government and medical advice, with further use of PPE where required.
We would therefore ask that no one attend our office in Lemon Street without a prior appointment. However, please feel free to telephone or email us.
PROPERTY SALES & LETTINGS
We remain open for business whilst of course observing Government Guidelines. Following the Government announcement on 12th May, property viewings for sales and lettings purposes can now resume. Social distancing and sanitising rules will apply, and viewings must be STRICTLY by prior appointment with the Agents. Our sales negotiators and lettings agents can advise you further on matters, as these will vary from property to property.
Where other meetings are required, these will also need to be strictly by appointment and observing distancing measures to every possible extent.
Our Accounts Department remains operational for transferring funds, rent collections, etc.
BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME, GRANT APPLICATIONS & ENTITLEMENT TRADING
We will continue to provide these important services and we are now in the process of completing claims. We are pleased that DEFRA have suspended the three-crop rule for this year, but we understand that other EFA rules will continue to apply. We will need to avoid face to face meetings where possible and therefore conduct the majority of business by telephone or email. Our BPS and Stewardship Agents will be contacting our respective clients about these arrangements shortly. Whether you are an existing client or new, if you have any enquiries then please contact our offices.
The deadline for purchasing BPS Entitlments for a 2020 claim remains 15th May 2020, but the deadline for submitting claims has been extended to 15th June 2020. If you are in any doubt or would like assistance, contact us without delay!
COVID-19 FACE MASK REGULATIONS
TRURO LIVESTOCK MARKET & TRURO SALE ROOM
In accordance with the forthcoming Regulations regarding the wearing of Face Masks PLEASE NOTE that from 24th July all buyers and sellers and hauliers must wear a face mask or face covering before entry will be permitted to any building within Truro Livestock Market and Truro Sale Room whether buying or selling or conducting any other business. This must be strictly adhered to. Masks will not be provided and therefore all those wishing to enter buildings must provide and wear their own.
We continue to operate a drop and go facility for vendors which is strongly encouraged. Livestock Vendors may enter the market to see their stock sold, provided social distancing can be achieved, but this should be limited to as short a time as is necessary to see their own animals sold. Purchasers may not enter the livestock penning areas or sale rings until 15 minutes prior to the sale in each respective section.
We thank all customers sincerely for your cooperation and support during these unusual times.
** TRURO LIVESTOCK MARKET REMAINS OPEN **
We can confirm that our weekly Wednesday sales of prime and store cattle, calves, and sheep at Truro Livestock Market WILL CARRY ON until further notice BUT with a number of key changes as set out below.
Livestock Markets are a key component of both the food chain and the rural economy, and we will do everything we can to keep this crucial service available to our farmers, producers and buyers.
DEFRA have agreed that Livestock Markets have an important role to play in minimising social contact and making sure robust hygiene precautions are in place, where people do have to come together, and facilitating efficient supply of livestock into the food chain through purchase systems and assembly points.
The following rules apply:-
Livestock entries should be pre notified to the Auctioneers as soon as possible.
All "gathering" points MUST be prevented therefore there will be no indoor Market Canteen. However, Marguerite's Catering will be in attendance with a mobile catering van.
BUYERS & VENDORS - STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING rules will apply. Buyers and Vendors will need to keep an absolute minimum of 2 metres apart (or 1 metre plus a face mask). Names addresses and telephone numbers of those in attendance will be kept on a register in accordance with DEFRA instructions. Only genuine Buyers and Vendors will be permitted entry to the Market premises. All MUST observe distancing rules when approaching the sales offices. Attendees will be asked to sanitise on entry to the market and again on exit. PPE gloves will be provided to buyers on entering Market premises and must be worn.
VENDORS - to aid with Social Distancing measures, PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLES and allow Market Staff to unload your stock. Paperwork can then be collected from your window.
Only Market Staff, Vendors, Purchasers and Hauliers will be allowed to enter the Market grounds. Those entering sale rings will need to register their attendance on arrival prior to entering the building. Access to the building / penning areas / sale rings will only be permitted 15 to 20 minutes prior to the respective sale.
We are constantly monitoring BBC, Government websites and DEFRA instructions to keep updated with any changes in advice and we will act accordingly if required so please be aware that arrangements may change at short notice.
IN ADDITION TO THE STRICT RULES ABOVE:
We would insist that those people who have experienced any symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or a dry cough not to attend, as well as anyone who has visited a high risk area abroad in the past 14 days or has come into contact with a positive Coronavirus (Covid-19) case.
We request anyone who is considered to be in the ‘at risk’ category, i.e. the elderly, and anyone with pre-existing or underlying health conditions not to attend.
If you can answer yes to any of the 3 questions below, please DO NOT attend.
HAVE YOU
• EXPERIENCED ANY SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS?
• COME INTO CONTACT WITH A POSITIVE CORONAVIRUS (COVID -19) CASE?
• VISITED A HIGH-RISK AREA ABROAD DURING THE PREVIOUS 14 DAYS?
Please observe strict adherence to the distancing, hand washing and sanitising guidelines.
We are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.
TRURO SALE ROOM
Truro Sale Room is now operating again, with the first sale 19th June 2020.
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Our entire team would like to thank you sincerely for your ongoing support. Please stay safe, and we wish you and your families and friends good health and good fortune.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to telephone or email us.
We are here for you.
Yours, as ever
Lodge & Thomas
01872 272722
info@lodgeandthomas.co.uk
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Chartered Surveyors & Estate Agents
Valuers & Auctioneers
Established in Cornwall since 1892
Valuing & Selling Property & Land throughout Cornwall
Cornwall's leading Livestock Market Auctioneers
On-line Antiques & General Furniture auctions in our purpose built Truro Sale Room
Farm & Machinery Auctions as well as Liquidation & Bankruptcy sales
Regular Poultry & Plant Nursery sales