We will continue to support residents and businesses as we face difficult times together

Posted: Tuesday 22nd December 2020

This is my final blog of 2020 and December is traditionally a time of year when we reflect on the previous 12 months. For all of us one thing has dominated our lives and that is coronavirus.

Dealing with the pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced as Council. I also know it has been exceptionally tough for many of our residents and businesses who have endured so much suffering, losing loved ones and seeing their livelihoods destroyed.

Coronavirus will still loom large our world for the foreseeable future especially during winter and there is no doubt we face some more tough times ahead. One thing I can assure you is that we will be doing all we can as a Council to support you whether you live or work in the borough.

Our dedicated staff will continue to do their bit to help maintain essential services despite the major deficit in our budget caused by the cost of dealing with the pandemic. I must pay tribute to them and our partners for their efforts in standing up for those who couldn’t stand for themselves and doing their best to help them.

Our staff in health care have helped some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our community support hubs have been, and still are, a lifeline for thousands of our residents to get the food and medicines they need. We have also processed thousands of grants for businesses which for some has often been the difference between staying afloat and permanent closure.

Staff worked closely with businesses and schools to help them be as Covid-secure as possible, allowing children to see their friends again and have the world class education that Trafford is famous for.

We also have a range of support services which people can use over Christmas and you find can find their details on our website.

The news that the first vaccinations have been rolled out in Trafford is something to be welcomed and to see Holocaust survivor Danny Sherman and his wife being vaccinated was a ray of hope for us all.

Finally, all that remains for me is to wish you a safe and happy Christmas and let’s hope 2021 is a better one for all of us. Please follow the government guidance to help contain the spread of the coronavirus and hopefully over the coming months we will see life get back to some sort of normality.

Take care and stay safe

Andrew