Pride in efforts of volunteers
Council leader full of praise
Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle has praised the people of Perth and Kinross for the strong community spirit they have shown during these difficult times.
The Conservative Strathallan ward elected member has paid tribute to both council staff and volunteers who have come forward to offer their help across the region since the coronavirus pandemic started to take its toll.
The local authority figurehead said volunteers are doing a “fantastic job” making deliveries and looking after neighbours.
In addition, he said PKC’s workers had also been going “the extra mile” during the public health crisis.
He said: “I am still in contact with officers every day. The officers have been working flat out.”
The council leader has held Zoom meetings with council chief executive Karen Reid and some other leading officers.
He revealed plans are afoot to reconvene the planning and development management committee virtually after the Easter recess, as well as the executive committee of the strategic policy and resources committee – which Cllr Lyle chairs.
Council workers have been asked to list their skills and are being matched to other roles within the local authority as part of a redeployment process designed to safeguard essential services.
Cllr Lyle, who has a farm near Braco, explained: “Some members of staff are taking up roles that they have never done before.”
“People are putting off holidays, working through weekends, which is fantastic and necessary to keep things going.
“Many are going into situations that are challenging and unknown.
“The normally unsung heroes – carers, social workers, refuse collection teams and housing teams who go into houses to make emergency repairs – are stepping up to the plate.”
But, while Cllr Lyle is full of praise for council employees, he said he has been most touched by is the response of the community.
He said: “The team spirit of the local community has been fantastic.”
He praised the work ethic of everyone involved, enthusing: “It’s the volunteering that has got me.
“People have upped their game to meet the demand.
“I am delighted that people realise how serious this is. It’s great to see communites across Perth and Kinross putting their shoulders to the wheel and helping.”
Cllr Lyle says he has received several requests from people looking for support for elderly residents and has been able to sort it “in a flash” thanks to the number of volunteers across the area.
He described it as a “community effort” and is also pleased residents are aware of the seriousness of Covid-19 and following government guidance to stay at home.