I think it is fair to say 2020 has, so far, been our Annus Horribilis.
In February, Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis brought us not only ravaging and destructive gales but also an unforgiving torrent of water that overwhelmed areas of Shrewsbury as the River Severn burst its banks. These floods caused untold damage to residents and businesses alike but also stopped many people enjoying the town that we all love.
I personally visited flood victims in and around the town and I was extremely humbled by the community spirit shown in helping those in distress. And it has been extremely heartening to see how quickly many of those businesses have recovered to be open for business and how the whole community has shown support and shopped local.
For any business that has not yet sought to claim the Flood Relief money that has been made available from the Government, Shropshire Council is bankrolling the grant, so please do look on www.shropshire.gov.uk or www.shrewsburybid.co.uk for more details.
March has brought an even more difficult challenge that is likely to affect every single one of us. As I write this, I am deeply saddened by news of our town’s first Coronavirus death and my deepest sympathies go out to her friends and family. I fear that is not the only fatality in Shrewsbury I will read about but it is now time that we create our Battle Plan to beat this virus.
I would urge everyone to heed the advice of specialists both locally and nationally and follow those very simple guidelines of washing your hands and social distancing and use extreme common sense as you go about your daily lives.
Wherever possible do support our local businesses. Many are still open for business and all are operating extreme caution in protecting both their staff and you – their loyal customers.
I also want to pay tribute to the growing movement of community-minded people who are offering valuable support to those who could face many months of self-isolation. Offers from getting shopping, to walking their dog, running errands to just being able to pick up the phone is really going to be the lifeline to some of our most vulnerable residents.
Many community groups are beginning to rise up to the challenge and are starting to co-ordinate activity locally and I am proud to say many Town Councillors are doing this in their wards.
This week Shrewsbury Town Council has put in measures to ensure the Town Council can support its community and I am confident over the coming weeks and months that the Town Clerk and her team will do everything they can to help. We have established our very own Coronavirus Battle Fund and I would urge community groups to go on our website www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk or contact their local Town Councillor for details. We have set aside £20,000 to give one-off grants of up to £500 to community organisations who are showing leadership in our town to support our residents.
As a Shrewsbury lad, I have not previously seen anything like this amazing sense of community spirit at this level – but I can only liken it to stories my mother and grandmother used to tell of the war effort; how in times of crisis we all rallied together, showed huge levels of kindness and supported people they didn’t really know.
I am confident that we will overcome this, and that we will be a stronger town as a result.
Stay safe, be considerate, love your community and do, do, do wash your hands. I send my very best wishes to you all.
ENDS/