Residents encourage to clap for the borough’s key workers

The Leader of Rossendale Council is asking everyone in the borough to take part in a nationwide round of applause for key workers delivering essential services during the coronavirus crisis.

Councillor Alyson Barnes is appealing to residents to join in a gesture of thanks to frontline health and care heroes as well as other workers and volunteers who are delivering essential services by taking part in a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies on Thursday at 8pm.

​The campaign, which started online, is being staged because “during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful”, according to the organisers.

Councillor Barnes said:

“In these really difficult times for us all, I think it’s right and proper we pay tribute to the brave and dedicated workers and volunteers who are putting their lives at risk to care for those struck down with coronavirus, making sure the most vulnerable are supported, keeping us supplied with essential items like food and medicine or keeping collecting our rubbish.

“From checkout assistants to doctors to nurses, from refuse collectors to pharmacists, they are all providing vital services. Let’s thank them for everything they do as we continue the fight against this horrible disease.”

The clap takes place every Thursday at 8pm.