Thank you, Wakefield: Council leader shares video message of thanks to the people of our district making a difference to others

The Leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery, has expressed her immense gratitude to residents as the district pulls together in the fight against coronavirus.
The Leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery, has expressed her immense gratitude to residents as the district pulls together in the fight against coronavirus.The Leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery, has expressed her immense gratitude to residents as the district pulls together in the fight against coronavirus.
The Leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery, has expressed her immense gratitude to residents as the district pulls together in the fight against coronavirus.

In her latest Express column, Coun Jeffery said: "I want to express my immense gratitude to residents as the district pulls together in the fight against coronavirus.

"Some council services have had to change in response to the outbreak and I commend the understanding and support shown by residents across the district.

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"Thank you for all you have done over the last seven weeks to help tackle the coronavirus.

"It has been clear that the overwhelming majority of people have followed the essential measures to protect themselves, their families and our district.

"I know it will have meant that residents have had to make many sacrifices, and it will have been very challenging for many of you.

"Which makes the way people have responded even more tremendous.

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"Over the last seven weeks my councillor colleagues and I, and all the staff at Wakefield Council, have had to transform the way we work to carry on delivering the services we know people in our district rely on.

"Like many organisations we too have had to cope with reduced resources and manage the impact of staff who have been affected by the coronavirus.

"And we appreciate the understanding shown by residents when we have had to reprioritise staff and adapt our services and support.

"I also recognise the outstanding support shown in communities.

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"We have seen the biggest movement of community support in my lifetime as this Council has joined forces with the voluntary sector to provide food, medicines and support to the most vulnerable in our community.

"In this time the Council, partners and volunteers have already delivered 610 food parcels, and lots more are on the way and 3,500 people have accessed help through the Council’s coronavirus support line.

"Following the Prime Minister’s announcement at the weekend, to move into the next stage of the national effort to tackle the virus, we are looking at reopening some of our services where possible and at how we can implement these changes safely – for residents and our staff.

"As ever, safety has to, and will, remain the absolute priority.

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" It is incredibly important that we do this safely and continue to follow the Government’s guidance on social distancing.

"The first areas to reopen this week include car parks at parks and country parks, Sandal Castle and the City of Wakefield golf course.

"Social distancing guidelines must be followed when visiting the sites.

"I want to thank everyone for all for the tremendous effort they have already shown to help this district and country tackle the coronavirus.

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"We may have a long road ahead, but please be reassured, that my Council and I are here for you and will continue to be.

"You can also keep up to date on the latest information, and where to go for help and support, on the Council’s dedicated coronavirus web page by logging on to www. wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information."