Since the country went into lockdown Fylde councillors have quickly adapted to hold their committee meetings virtually to make sure business continues. The round of committee meetings scheduled to take place in June have gone ahead successfully and extra meetings have been called as needed. The Annual General Meeting of the full council which should have taken place on 15th May was cancelled and so the first time all 51 Fylde councillors have met since lockdown was on Monday 20th July. The Acting Leader, Cllr Karen Buckley, took the opportunity to publicly thank staff, volunteers and residents of Fylde for their fortitude during lockdown and read out the following Notice of Motion:
“In response to the coronavirus pandemic this council:
“Recognises and offers thanks to all council staff for their continued hard work and dedication during a uniquely difficult time. Going above and beyond in handling additional workloads and adapting to rapidly changing legislation whilst maintaining essential services near to normal levels – a remarkable achievement under the circumstances.
“Recognises and offers thanks for the ongoing hard work to all key workers who live, work, operate or volunteer in Fylde, especially those in the NHS, medical or care industries who have been on the frontline providing direct treatment and care, those working in education and essential retail, and also the funeral services for continuing to do their best to handle matters in a respectful manner in very difficult conditions.
“Thanks all our residents in Fylde who are playing their part in complying with government guidelines, our businesses who are adapting to new guidance as they gradually re-open safely and all those who are informally providing vital help to vulnerable family, friends and neighbours or volunteering in the community.
“Remembers those who are or have been ill, or who have family and friends affected by coronavirus, or who have lost loved ones during this very difficult time when restrictions are in place which limits family and friends from coming together to support each other.”
The Notice of Motion was passed unanimously.
Cllr Buckley added:
“The virus is still with us and we need to continue to stay alert to stay safe, continue to follow social distancing and the guidelines provided by central government. Wearing a mask in shops becomes mandatory from 24th July in order to protect others as well as yourself. I know our residents and businesses will continue to do what they can to help to reduce the spread of the virus, and I thank them again for their efforts to keep our Borough safe.”
