Councillors show their appreciation
There was a round of applause at a meeting of South Lanarkshire Council for those who have done so much for communities during the coronavirus crisis.
The spontaneous act of appreciation was delivered by councillors on behalf of their constituents after they approved a motion acknowledging council staff and others“for their response to the coronavirus crisis and the huge challenges it involved”.
There was also praise from Provost Ian Mcallan, who opened the meeting lastwednesday, September 23, by saying:“it is fitting we take a moment to mark the remarkable efforts of so many people and organisations who have and continue to go beyond the call of duty for us and our loved ones.
“To name but a few: Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture staff, our NHS, our magnificent carers, our teachers, our emergency services, essential workers, and community activists who have absolutely stepped up to the plate.
“I think it is also absolutely fitting that we acknowledge our own organisation – South Lanarkshire Council and all of its staff – who have worked tirelessly through the darkest of times, carrying out their duties and trying to bring as much normality back into our lives as is possible.
“We are sadly still in the midst of this awful pandemic, but one day
– hopefully soon – it will be over. And one of the legacies from this time will be the debt of gratitude we all owe to all of these remarkable people.”
The motion, which was approved with cross-party support, offered thanks to council staff, frontline NHS and care workers, thethird Sector and volunteers, both organised and individual.
The council’s chief executive was asked to convey the gratitude of the council and its elected members on behalf of the citizens of South Lanarkshire.
The motion also expressed the council’s condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives during or as a result of the pandemic, and it noted that tackling Covid-19 required “speedy and flexible action by the council and its partners and, often, brought new ways of working in many areas”.
Council chief executive Cleland Sneddon said:“i know that all council staff will be grateful to know that their many efforts have been appreciated.
“I think it was also very fitting that the council acknowledged the huge amount of work that has also been done by groups and individuals in our communities. Some of this work was literally life-saving, and it was a great example of so many people coming together in the face of adversity for the common good.”