Councillors cancel face-to-face surgeries
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STEPHEN BARK
All 64 South Lanarkshire councillors have cancelled surgeries for their constituents for “a period of time”.
As measures to try and control the spread of coronavirus intensify, elected members will no longer hold “face-toface” surgeries.
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has also cancelled her surgeries.
Every councillor will remain contactable via phone and email so that they can continue to assist their constituents.
The move comes following a raft of new measures introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday, March 16.
Posting on social media on Tuesday, March 17, South Lanarkshire Council informed residents of the decision.
They wrote: “On the basis of latest public health advice relating to coronavirus, there will be no face-toface councillor surgeries for a period of time.
“Our elected members will continue to be available to you through the contact details that can be found [on our website].”
Several councillors had already cancelled individual surgeries while two – Andy Carmichael (Larkhall) and Lynne Nailon (Hamilton South) – had already taken the decision to stop surgeries for the foreseeable future due to the outbreak before the council made the blanket cancellation.
To contact your local councillor, visit: https://southlanarkshire.cmis.uk.com/ southlanarkshire/Councillors.aspx
If you’re unsure of who your local councillor is, visit: https://www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk/councillors/ search
Residents can still arrange telephone appointments with Labour MSP Ms Lennon by calling 01698 225 716 or emailing ‘Telephone Appointment Request’ to monica.lennon.msp@ parliament.scot.
Ms Lennon said: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty and concern for public health during the outbreak of coronavirus, I have taken the decision to cancel my face-to-face surgeries and meetings.
“My staff and I remain available to take telephone calls to raise any issues and urge anyone who needs help to please get in touch by email or telephone.
“The Scottish Parliament has taken measures to restrict public access but I continue to raise questions in the chamber on behalf of constituents and in my role as Scottish Labour’s Health and Sport spokesperson. I am in regular contact with the Health Secretary and the Chief Medical Officer.
“This is a worrying time for everyone. It’s important that we all work together to follow public health advice about reducing social contact as well as ensuring we are looking out for our friends and neighbours who have to self-isolate during this anxious time.”
The latest advice from the government to help prevent the spread of the virus includes:
■ Minimising social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations and smaller gatherings such as restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, cinemas and gyms
■Avoid using public transport as much as possible ■ Work from home when possible ■ Follow the latest health and travel advice, and follow basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
■ People showing symptoms suggestive of coronavirus should stay at home and only contact NHS 111 or their local GP if their symptoms worsen
■ Members of a household where someone has suspected symptoms should stay at home for 14 days.