Today Stone Town Council have issued two statements, one around events and services as well as a plan to launch a local telephone helpline for local people who need assistance, in association with A Little Bit of Stone, Age Concern and others.
In relation to the Telephone Helpline the council have said:
Stone Town Council will be considering the viability of setting up a COVID-19 telephone helpline to support and coordinate the work of volunteers and local residents groups in the Stone area.
The General Purposes Committee meeting on 24th March 2020 will consider working alongside Age Concern, A Little Bit of Stone and others to create a single helpline for residents needing help with items such as collecting shopping due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This will enable the efforts of volunteers throughout the area to be coordinated, and accessed readily by residents when needed.
Councillor Rob Kenney, Chairman of the Council’s General Purposes Committee, said:
“The Council are aware of the many difficulties that could be faced by residents during the current crisis and are looking to take this important step to support the many dedicated volunteers throughout the town who are giving their time freely to help others.”
More information will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
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In relation to other services, facilities and events the council have said:
The Town Council are taking the current health crisis very seriously and have reluctantly decided to reduce or curtail a number of its activities in order to protect residents, Councillors and staff.
The Stone Station and Frank Jordan Community Centres will be closed from the end of this week until further notice. Limited provision from the Hub will continue at the Frank Jordan Centre, and users are recommended to contact the Hub directly for further information.
The Town Markets will continue to operate at present, and allotments will continue to be available.
Town Council organised High Street events will be cancelled up to the end of May 2020, and will be kept under review subsequently. This currently affects the St Georges Day and VE Day commemorations.
The Town Mayor will be withdrawing from all public events.
Council meetings will be restricted and amalgamated, such that only the minimum number of meetings necessary to perform the business of the Council will be held. The up to date position will be posted on Council notice boards and the Council website.
It is currently expected that the office will remain open during the public access times of 9:00am to 1:00pm, but face to face meetings are being discouraged.
Councillor Rob Kenney, Chairman of the Council’s General Purposes Committee, said:
“Whilst I am reluctant to curtail any of the Council’s activities, the health and wellbeing of Stone residents must take priority. The Council will keep this current crisis under review, and return to full activity as soon
as the situation allows.”
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