Council chiefs step up efforts to tackle the coronavirus emergency across Harborough

“I want to reassure everyone in Harborough district that we will do what ever we can to support them," said the council leader
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Council chiefs are dramatically stepping up efforts to tackle the coronavirus emergency across Harborough.

Harborough District Council has launched a new web page as it confronts the issue head on.

The local authority has acted as determined leader Cllr Phil King vowed to the Harborough Mail on Friday: “I want to reassure everyone in Harborough district that we will do what ever we can to support them.

Council chiefs are dramatically stepping up efforts to tackle the coronavirus emergency across Harborough.Council chiefs are dramatically stepping up efforts to tackle the coronavirus emergency across Harborough.
Council chiefs are dramatically stepping up efforts to tackle the coronavirus emergency across Harborough.

“We will commit what ever resources we have to to combat the coronavirus and to help us recover in the weeks and months afterwards.”

The Conservative council chief said they have now set up this special new web page - www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus

Cllr King added: “My best wishes and all my thoughts go out to every man, woman and child across Harborough.

“As a council we are striving to do the maximum possible to ensure that no one gets cut off or ends up isolated on our patch.

“Our staff are working tirelessly to support residents where ever they can.

“All our councillors and officers are battling to make sure that we all come through this unprecedented time together.”Going live on Friday, it will be continually updated with the latest information.

The new info hub has sub-pages giving people:

information on health

information for businesses

information about council services

a community hub – information for residents

a community hub – information on voluntary and community sector

“This new site will signpost people to any emerging support available – both locally and nationally.

“The voluntary and community sector page will feature an online form.

“This can be used to feed us information to help us understand what voluntary support is currently available and to identify any gaps,” said Cllr King.

“We will be acting as a giant umbrella overseeing everything.

“We are moving to co-ordinate and pull together all the different voluntary coronavirus groups that have sprung up throughout Harborough.

“We are also working closely with all our parish councils.

“There has been a fantastic, spontaneous reaction across our district as big-hearted residents and volunteers have quickly set up support groups.

“But the coverage is inevitably patchy.

“Kibworth and Market Harborough are pretty well covered. It’s brilliant.

“But we want to provide help and assistance for people out in more rural parts of Harborough too. It’s a fast-moving feast.

“But we are striving to see the whole picture in 3D district-wide so we can pinpoint any gaps and plug them.

“And as well as co-ordinating voluntary efforts we’ll also do our utmost to get behind local businesses.

“We are working non-stop to support our economy.

“We are still waiting to get more detailed information from central government on how we can help individual businesses.

“We will be saying more over the next few days about what we can do to help out in these extremely challenging days.”

He also implored shoppers to stop panic buying after major Harborough stores like Sainsbury’s have been effectively plundered over the last few days.

“People have to stop panic buying.

“I just can’t understand the mentality of stripping shelf after shelf.

“It’s very selfish behaviour and it’s the last thing we want at this very difficult and challenging time for society,” said Cllr King.

“It’s not helping – so please shop normally.”

He’s also working alongside Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat Opposition.

“I’ll be making a weekly conference call with Cllr Knowles to keep him fully informed and up to date.

“This is a time when we all need to unite and put aside party differences to take this on together.

“We are working flat out to make sure that all our essential public services, such as waste collection, continue as normal.

“I’d urge people to follow the excellent advice of Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer,” said Cllr King.

“And as far as you are able, support your loved ones, your friends, work colleagues, neighbours and the most vulnerable.

“Give them a call, talk to them online, Facetime or Skype them – do what ever you can to help them and keep their morale up.

“Stay positive, follow the advice and we’ll get through this together.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Knowles told residents to “remember that councillors are just a phone call away and are well placed to direct the community to resources and help”.

The Liberal Democrat leader said: “There are so many offers of help from within the community and details of the important services.

“Websites and points of information that hopefully will help on a wide range of needs and concerns.

“The important thing is ensuring that everyone knows where they can get the information they seek and the help they need.”