LOCAL MP PRAISES COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, has praised the response from local communities over recent days to the coronavirus outbreak in these unprecedented times and the hard work of vital public services.

David has been regularly updated on the important work that Macclesfield Hospital and other local NHS services are doing to implement plans to respond to COVID-19 in our area. He fully supports the action that is being taken and plans that are being put in place, based on the best scientific advice. David has praised the vital work and dedicated service of our doctors, nurses and all those in the NHS who are working day and night to protect us.

David strongly urges local residents to follow the national guidance that is being given each day. If anyone thinks that they may have coronavirus, they should call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Local councils are actively working to help co-ordinate the response of local volunteers to assist those who are self-isolating and the vulnerable. On Friday, David visited Poynton Civic Centre to thank Poynton Town Council staff and the team of volunteers who delivered coronavirus guidance leaflets across the village. He also met Cllr Janet Jackson, Mayor of Macclesfield, to discuss the important work that Macclesfield Town Council is doing to link up with local groups, including Age UK Cheshire East, to assist in the community. David is in regular contact with Bollington Town Council and Disley Parish Council about their inspiring local plans to support those in need.

David has also welcomed Cheshire East Council’s People Helping People initiative to assist local people support one another. Further details can be found here: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/cheshire-east-people-helping-people.aspx

Like many other local residents, David is very grateful for the many extra hours that local food retailers are working to provide the food and supplies we need. On Saturday, David met Mr Simon Perry, store manager at Sainsburys Macclesfield, and was pleased to hear of the plans they and other supermarkets are putting into place to ensure that older and vulnerable shoppers, and NHS workers, get easier access to do their shopping. David also asks local shoppers to heed Government advice to buy responsibly, as there is more than enough food to go around.

It is also vital to protect local businesses and workers in these challenging times. On Friday, David met Ms Sue Bowden, Chief Executive, North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to review the advice and support that is available for local businesses and to thank the Chamber for its important work. David welcomes the strong measures set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Friday, and his previous recent announcements, which form an unprecedented package of support.

Following his recent meetings and conversations with local public services and community groups, David said, “It is so inspiring to see the strong community response in these challenging times from local councils, businesses, community groups and dedicated volunteers. I am very proud of all that our NHS team, the police and firefighters are doing to protect and support so many in the community. It is vital that we all go on working to support each other to get through the difficult days ahead.”