Coun Peter Steen

IT seems somewhat surreal to be writing this column at this time. I would have expected to be spending my time meeting with Councillor colleagues, election candidates and campaign teams preparing for the Local Elections and the PCC election.

Unfortunately, times, as we are fully aware, are not normal.

However even though the country is dealing with an unprecedented crisis Local Government cannot go into “lock down”, services must be maintained, not just the front line services such as refuse collections and I applaud those staff for carrying out their duties in these uncertain circumstances, but also the backroom staff ensuring the smooth running of the organisation ensuring monies due are collected and benefits that are a lifeline at times like this maintained.

Whilst the staff are working hard, for ward councillors - whilst not carrying the normal scrutiny duties of Council policy - there are still regulatory functions such as planning applications which may be of concern to residents.

Ward Councillors are best placed to ensure any concerns are lodged with the officers and keep track of progress.

I read on Social Media last week that residents had been trying to contact Jake Berry MP concerning missed bins, Jake and his team are working full time from home and will have picked up these queries, but they will pass them on to ward councillors for action which means time passes before action can be taken.

So if you have any RBC related queries please contact us, details are widely available.

In conclusion can I make two requests.

Firstly; Please follow Government and Medical Expert advice, it is not given for fun it is there for the benefit of us all.

Take care of yourselves and be aware of any neighbours who may need assistance and keep a note of the various helplines and local organisations.

Secondly; do not lose your sense of humour. I have heard a number of times, especially on Social Media, complaints about people laughing at others’ distress.

We are not, but over the years I have found, especially during my 22 years in the Royal Air Force - two and a half of which were spent in the Far East during the Vietnam War and three years in Germany at the height of the Cold War - followed by 20 years in the Prison Service where I and other staff experienced many bad things, that humour was a great way of combating stress.

As long as it is not malicious it can lift the spirits.

Stay safe, stay well and we will see each other on the “Sunny side of the street”.