Coronavirus: Mayor of Melton prepares to self-isolate

Councillor Malise Graham, who is due to serve until May, is not taking on any new requests to attend events or ceremonies.

He said: “As mayor, one is the external face of the of the council and the bit that I enjoyed most was getting involved with the community and seeing all the fantastic things that have been achieved by so many.

“I had a full diary for my last couple of months, not just just the giving of apple trees to primary schools but also award ceremonies, church services, dinners and giving talks, etc.

“I am, though, over 70 and am going to take the government’s current, and their updated, advice and will probably have to self-isolate in the coming weeks.

“This will mean that in my role as mayor, I will not be undertaking any new engagements and those that I have already accepted will be looked at on an individual basis.”

Councillor Graham urged residents to follow government advice to limit the spread of the COVID-19 bug, adding: “We must all play our part in conquering this virus.

“As I look at my garden, after a miserable winter, green shoots are appearing and new life is bursting with hope.

“As a country we have had many dark times in our history and have come through them, because we all pull together and we will of course once again.”