To the residents of Blaenau Gwent,
So the Easter weekend is upon us, and normally we would have lots of lovely activities planned with our families & friends, especially when the sun is shining. However, I don’t need to tell you that this is not a normal Bank Holiday, we are living in extraordinary times and that trip to the beach or family party will unfortunately have to wait – for now anyway. The Welsh Government has said that the current lockdown measures will remain for the time being – and I think however challenging this is, we all understand why it needs to happen. It’s reported that the measures are starting to have an effect, but they must continue if we are to build on this and slow the spread of the virus, protect those most vulnerable and ultimately save lives. We must not lose sight of the fact that by complying with these measures, that is exactly what we are doing – saving lives.
So, please remember:
• Stay at home and only go out for food, health reasons or for work (if this is absolutely necessary) including asking people to work from home.
• Stay 2 metres (6ft) apart from other people.
• Only travel if necessary.
I believe that our communities here in Blaenau Gwent are doing their very best to comply with the measures. I am very proud of that, and hope that we continue to play our part in the fightback against Covid-19. Like everywhere however there are issues of non-compliance. It’s not easy for the Police to enforce these measures on the ground when they need to, so please don’t make their job more difficult than it has to be and listen to the official advice. As the Welsh Government stated today our actions and decisions over this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, and in the coming weeks and months, will shape Wales for years to come. That’s a big responsibility, but we can do it!
As you are already aware many of our services are currently not running as we focus on those critical services and redeploy staff as necessary. We have put together some information about services over the Bank Holiday which is available on our website and social media accounts. Please only try to contact us by telephone if your query is urgent and can’t wait until after the Bank Holiday. There are digital methods of reporting, requesting and paying for services that are available on our website.
You can keep up to date with the latest Council service information here – https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/emergencies-crime-prevention/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information/
You can also follow our social media accounts which are updated frequently:
• Facebook – @blaenaugwentcbc
• Twitter - @BlaenauGwentCBC
Again, I would like to thank staff for their hard work and dedication, as well as partner organisations including the Aneurin Leisure Trust & Tai Calon Community Housing for providing some resilience to us in these unprecedented times.
Childcare provision for key workers will continue through what would have been the Easter holidays, including the Bank Holidays, and I’d like to thank those staff for their commitment. We will also continue to provide free lunches for families eligible for Free School Meals – we are now distributing over 1,000 a day.
We continue to work hard to support local businesses & employers and this financial support is now starting to filter through. This is so important as we don’t want to lose businesses or local jobs as a result of this crisis.
Our Locality Teams are busy supporting vulnerable residents – those officially advised to shield themselves for 12 weeks and those who have no other form of help or support available to them. In addition to this, I know that many of you have taken on the role of volunteers in your community to – you are a credit to Blaenau Gwent, thank you! If you are particularly concerned about anyone in your community at this time please do get in touch with us on 01495 311556.
Once again, on behalf of all councillors, I can assure you that we are doing everything we possibly can to support our communities here in Blaenau Gwent. We all stand together during this emergency, and I know councillor colleagues are going above and beyond to help their constituents where possible.
I couldn’t end this message without referring to the health of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, currently hospitalised with the effects of Covid-19. Again it is a time to put politics aside and I would like to say that my thoughts are with Mr Johnson & his family and I wish him all the best for a full recovery, likewise all victims of this terrible virus.
Again, I would ask for your patience during these unprecedented times and to please bear with us and understand as we maintain our focus on the key areas.
Above all, stay safe and remember Stay Home Save Lives.
Thank you.
Councillor Nigel Daniels
Leader Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Please note the latest advice & guidance can be found here:
• https://phw.nhs.wales/
• https://gov.wales/
• https://www.gov.uk/