Admirable ways we cope with lockdown
THE challenge we all face is unprescedented, and I start by paying tribute to all the council staff who have worked so hard to continue to provide first class services, and to adapt to new ways of working.
The refuse collectors have continued to keep our bins empty, the schools have remained open to help vulnerable children and those of key workers, Adult Care has risen to the challenge of helping those in need and isolated, and our Finance Dept have worked hard to ensure businesses get the Government funding required, and that support is always there for any one struggling with housing benefits and council tax.
714 emergency food parcels have been delivered to vulnerable households, who have no one to support them and 398 parcels will be delivered to those on the shielded list.
We have also made almost 1,700 phone calls to reach the most vulnerable to check on their welfare and provide support where it on Bolton Rd, Marland Old Rd and Tweedale St we intend to do as much maintenance as possible on the highway network whilst the roads are quiet.
We are all learning new ways to work and meetings by Skype and Zoom are taking place and working well.
Going forward we need to make sure that especially for planning meetings local residents can continue to take part and be involved in the decision making process.
The decision not to hold any elections this year, means we shall continue in the same roles for the year ahead, I am especially pleased that our Mayor Councillor Billy Sheerin will continue for a further 12 months, he deserves to have the opportunity to continue with the role he has fulfilled so admirably.
Please keep safe and continue to follow the Government Guidelines and in the words of Her Majesty The Queen we will come through this time, we will be stronger as a Community and we shall meet again.