How the people of Lutterworth are pulling together to help each other

Here is a column for the Harborough Mail by Mayor of Lutterworth, Cllr Tony Hirons
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Mayor of Lutterworth, Cllr Tony Hirons, writes about what the people of Litterworth are doing to help each other during the cororavirus pandemic.

Here in Lutterworth we are aiming, during these unprecedented times, to achieve two objectives.

We are trying to identify as many people in difficulties, particularly the old, sick and vulnerable, whilst at the same time looking to recruit as many fit and able volunteers as

Part of a leaflet that has gone to residents in LutterworthPart of a leaflet that has gone to residents in Lutterworth
Part of a leaflet that has gone to residents in Lutterworth

possible, perhaps to deliver groceries, collect prescriptions or just make a regular phone call to maintain contact.

With this in mind I was happy to work with Age Concern Lutterworth, Lutterworth churches and other local organisations to achieve these ends.

With Age Concern we have set up a dedicated Facebook Page entitled Lutterworth Coronavirus Volunteer Support Group, asking people to register, either to volunteer or to

request help.

Lutterworth Churches, led by Revd Charlie Styles at St Mary’s church, have set up dedicated phone numbers for people to call and The Lutterworth Volunteer Centre are collating a list of organisations who are supporting local residents.

Lutterworth Community Transport have identified drivers who will be willing to deliver groceries, prescriptions etc and we do know that, whilst they have difficulties in finding

delivery spots or accepting new orders, both of our major supermarkets, Waitrose and Morrisons have said that they will do all they can to help and support the most vulnerable.

This may be particularly useful to the elderly in nearby villages and we have contacted local Parish Clerks to inform them of what we can do to assist the local actions they are

taking.

Other groups are ‘doing their bit'; - it was heartening for example to see that members of Lutterworth Round Table volunteered to assist at Morrisons in collecting trollies and other

more menial activities to release staff for counter and other work. Sadly events have somewhat overtaken this initiative, but I do know that the Round Table and other bodies

stand ready to help in any way they can.

It has often been said that for a small market town Lutterworth has a great community spirit. What is so heartening to see, in these challenging times, is how true this is with a

wave of volunteers coming forward to offer their help in any way they can.

Cllr Tony Hirons

Mayor of Lutterworth