• IT is at times like this that our spirit of solidarity transcends and brings the best out of us.

Numbers of illnesses and those caring for their loved ones are increasing daily during this lockdown.

Our front-line staff is no exception. I would like to extend my appreciation to all our neighbourhood housing officers and their managers, caretakers and supervisors, responsive patrol officers, and all council staff for going beyond the call of duty.

Despite severely depleted numbers they carry on regardless of any risk to themselves that not staying at home brings. They clean vomit and clear any carelessly discarded surgical gloves inside lifts; they deliver food to those self-isolating; and they call on the vulnerable and elderly to make sure they are OK.

And where they cannot manage, our tenants and residents associations heroes are stepping in from all over the borough to pick up the slack.

The examples of heartening acts of kindness are just too many to list here, all done selflessly with expectations of nothing in return by our family of elected tenant reps to help their neighbours who may not be as fortunate.

I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.

CLLR MERIC APAK
Cabinet Member for Better Homes