Councillors to praise the community

Councillors are to acknowledge the contribution of the city in helping the most vulnerable in Gloucester during the coronavirus pandemic.

A cross-party motion by the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party will be debated by councillors at a meeting of the city council on July 9.

The motion praises everyone in the community, as well as council staff, care sector workers and volunteers who helped those in need in Gloucester over the last three months.

Council staff have continued to provide critical services, including redeploying staff to ensure vital services were not affected by staff shortages or increased demand due to Covid-19, while others have had to adjust working from home and the challenges that brings.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr. Jeremy Hilton, who will propose the motion, said: "As councillors we wish to recognise all of Gloucester's all unsung local heroes who have gone above and beyond and done extraordinary things in recent months.

"We want to pay tribute to all of the council's staff who have been working with professionalism and diligence, many of whom have found themselves doing different jobs at short notice.

"We also want to thank our NHS and social care staff who have carried on with their jobs on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus in the most difficult of circumstances with the utmost professionalism."

Labour group leader Kevin Stephens, who will second the motion, added: "I've always known that Gloucester has a great sense of community spirit with hundreds of people prepared to go the extra mile to help others but what I've witnessed in these last few months during the lockdown has been nothing short of amazing.

"Community groups, residents' associations, local organisations and neighbours have played a huge part in helping the most vulnerable and we are grateful for everyone's support.

"Their efforts have been truly heroic, and we thank each and every one of them."

The motion, Covid-19 thank you, says:

"This council records its thanks to everyone that has helped during the coronavirus pandemic, be they council staff, those working in the NHS or the care sector and the many volunteers who helped others within our close-knit communities.

This council agrees that Gloucester must retain and encourage the continued development of the volunteer-led community support system that worked so well to help many people in Gloucester during the lockdown, including the homeless, those living in poverty and the vulnerable.

We also agree that we should make sure that this diverse support system is able to assist in the event of a second wave of Covid-19 infections should it happen in Gloucestershire within the next few months."

Proposed by Jeremy Hilton

Seconded by Kevin Stephens