Council is doing all it can to help
SHIRLEY BARTYNEK
Coronavirus has changed everything, including the work of the council, but we are doing everything possible to support our residents and communities – that’s the message from South Lanarkshire Council leaders as the county faces an unprecedented health crisis.
Leisure and culture centres have already closed their doors and pupils now won’t be attending school, following guidance from the government and their health and science advisers.
But other council services that locals rely on continue to be delivered, and the council say they are also taking a lead role in many of the extraordinary measures that have been brought in to help tackle the virus.
Council Leader John Ross said: “None of us have had to contend with a crisis like this before and it is creating huge disruption to everyone’s lives.
“This is worst of all for those who fall sick, with others worrying about their jobs, food supplies and even seeing their families.
“I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts that are being made by council and partner staff to respond to this situation. Your council is doing everything it can to help by maintaining key services and we will continue to do this as best we can.
“We will continue to look after the elderly and most vulnerable in our society. And we will continue to empty bins, keep safe our roads, provide emergency services to council house residents and all the many, many other critical services we provide.”
The council’s chief executive, Cleland Sneddon, outlined some of the ways that the council is leading the fight to cope with coronavirus, including working closer in partnership with the NHS and other partners.
He said: “Working together we are able to bring together a bigger team with wider skills, and this includes bolstering and bringing resilience to our vital health and social care services, to ensure we can continue to help our people and communities.
“The council will also have a key role in supporting government efforts to help businesses through this difficult time, and therefore help protect residents’ jobs and incomes.
“This is an enormous exercise but once we receive details of the support available we will work with the Scottish Government to move as quickly as possible to bring that help and reassurance.”
Cleland added: “We also recognise there is a huge potential in our communities to assist with our efforts and further public health advice is expected on how that contribution can best and most safely be focussed.”
For further updates on council services residents can log onto South Lanarkshire’s social media channels.