Leader update on coronavirus situation

Council Leader, Alyson Barnes, has updated on the latest situation around coronavirus and the Council’s response to it:

I know residents and businesses are incredibly worried about coronavirus. It is the worst public health crisis in a generation.

As a Council, please be reassured we are working with Lancashire County Council, Public Health England, the NHS and others so we are fully prepared to tackle this in our borough. However, given the scale, it is going to have a massive impact on our way of life.

In Rossendale, we have strong partnerships. They will be vital in the coming weeks.

The Council will have to make some difficult decisions. But any action we take will be in line with advice and guidance. We are prepared, not panicking.

One firm decision that has been taken by central government is to postpone the local elections until next May. It’s incredibly frustrating as local democracy is so important but I fully support that decision. Rest assured though, all councillors will continue to work hard for their constituents.

Please follow national advice and guidance and not information from unofficial places. I am aware there is lot of speculation but please make sure you get the facts from reliable sources.

I urge everyone to support each other, especially the most vulnerable in our borough, in whatever way we can and would echo the statement put out by national supermarket retailers to not panic buy.

I also want to mention local foodbanks. Please continue to donate to them if you can because as you can imagine donations have dropped off.

We have a great community spirit in this borough so I know everyone will be kind and look after each other.