Coronavirus: Melton Council launches hub to support vulnerable residents

The authority is working with local voluntary, community and faith-based organisations to establish what they are currently doing and inviting other groups to take part via [email protected], a dedicated email address.

Anyone who wants to promote efforts to support communities and vulnerable people is being urged to use the #Here4Melton hashtag in any social media posts to help the council keep track and highlight their initiatives.

The borough council says it is also supporting local businesses and is keen to give them access to business rates relief and contributions from a ‘hardship fund’ which were recently announced by the government.

The council offices, on Parkside, remain open but staff will now be limiting face-to face contact with visitors to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 bug among residents and employees.

Leader of the council, Cllr Joe Orson said: “I recognise these are worrying times in what is an unprecedented situation but I want to ensure everyone in Melton that supporting the health and well-being of our communities and the employees who serve them is our top priority.

“We are doing all we can to prepare for the challenging times ahead and ensure we can both maintain our priority services whilst also helping to co-ordinate the amazing support being offered by people throughout our community.

“We hope our new Community Support Hub provides a beacon around which we can all rally and work together to help those in need.

“Can I encourage anyone who is wishing to co-ordinate support on social media to use the #Here4Melton so we can keep track of all your efforts and help link people together.”

Council customers are advised to continue to use the authority’s website or contact staff via email, telephone or social media.

Some employees will be working from home in line with government guidance.

Public services such as housing repairs, street cleaning and waste and recycling collections will continue as normal but this is being reviewed regularly.

Some council meetings will be cancelled due to social distancing directives including tomorrow’s cabinet meeting and Audit and Standards on March 24.

Planning committee scheduled for March 26 is continuing at the current time and officers are considering how they may be able to continue with this and future meetings remotely via teleconferencing facilities.

For the latest NHS guidance please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/