CORONAVIRUS (COVID–19)
UPDATE TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2020
(This post is updated regularly so please keep reading)
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 with colleagues available by telephone or email. We have changed our working practices so that where possible, colleagues will be working from home or remotely. We would ask that face to face meetings are avoided where possible, and where they do occur we will be observing at least the minimum 2 metre distancing between individuals in line with Government and medical advice.
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.
Property viewings can generally no longer take place, due to Government guidelines and the safety of staff and clients. Our sales negotiators can advise you further on matters, as these will vary from property to property.
Where meetings are required, such as for transferring keys or for essential property maintenance, these will 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.
** 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.
AS OF TUESDAY 24 MARCH the following rules apply:-
The Sale of Primestock, Cull animals and Store stock is still permitted.
HOWEVER, the sale of BREEDING animals through the live ring must cease immediately meaning that no breeding animals such as dairy or beef breeding cattle, breeding sheep, ewes with lambs at foot (couples) can be sold at Market. To repeat: ONLY Primestock, cull animals and store stock are permitted.
All "gathering" points MUST be prevented therefore there will be no Market Canteen or other refreshments of any kind.
BUYERS - STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING rules will apply. Buyers of Prime Stock and Store Stock (cattle and sheep) will need to keep an absolute minimum of 2 metres apart. Names addresses and telephone numbers of buyers will be kept on a register in accordance with DEFRA instructions. Only genuine Buyers will be permitted entry to the Market premises. At the conclusion of the sale, buyers MUST observe distancing rules when approaching the sales offices. Buyers will be asked to sanitise on entry to the market and again on exit.
VENDORS - MUST remain in their vehicles when arriving at Market to unload. Market staff will unload animals from your vehicle and collect documentation from you. You must remain in your vehicle and then leave the Market site immediately. If any Vendors wish to buy store animals, they will then need to follow the strict rules for Buyers as set out above.
Only Market Staff, Vendors, Purchasers and Hauliers will be allowed to enter the Market grounds. Furthermore, ONLY Market Staff and genuine Purchasers may exit their vehicles and enter Market Premises and will need to be registered.
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. Again, only Market Staff and genuine Buyers may exit vehicles and access Market Premises.
We are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.
TRURO SALE ROOM
To all of our buyers, vendors and followers we have made the very difficult decision to close the Truro Saleroom until further notice although we fully intend to reopen as soon as we are able.
If you have any queries or need valuations please contact our office.
Please stay safe and healthy and we look forward to welcoming you into the sale room in the not too distant future.
*
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