Black Country and Staffordshire council leaders praise residents for resilience in festive messages

With Christmas Day only around the corner, they have reflected on a tough year in which they kept services running amid the impact of Covid-19.

Now they have urged everyone to stay positive with the roll-out of a vaccine which will be a way to end the restrictions people are living under.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said he was incredibly proud of how the city had come together so quickly to react to the pandemic.

He said: "We were one of the first places in the country to respond, mobilising our WV Active Centre at Aldersley to deliver essential food parcels and supplies to more than 35,000 residents around the clock.

"Hundreds of council staff were redeployed to man the centre 24/7 and we had incredible support from Marstons and Wolves – two of our biggest partners. I can’t say how proud I am of every single person who stepped up to help out.

"It’s been a very challenging time for the city without a shadow of a doubt, and things are obviously still up in the air regarding what action the Government will take next regarding Covid-19.

"But whatever decisions are made, I’m very confident that we will continue to pull together as a city in the same spirit as before.

"It’s been a tough year for everyone, but there are a lot of great changes being made – particularly in the city centre – that we can look forward to taking shape in the New Year.

"There are still a number of rough sleepers out there and we are continuing to strive to make homelessness a thing of the past in Wolverhampton."

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said the year had been "like no other" as he praised the people of the borough for coming together.

He said: "While it’s brought lots of uncertainty, it’s also been a year where we have truly seen the best of Dudley folk.

"I want to say a huge thank you to every single person in this borough, who has gone above and beyond and helped in our fight against this dreaded disease.

"I hope all those celebrating enjoy a safe and merry Christmas and that we can all share a sense of optimism for the year ahead as the vaccine is rolled out and offers us a lifeline with a sense of normality within reach.

"2021 will also see our billion pound regeneration of Dudley town centre continue and provide an opportunity to grow our economy and help businesses recover as we embark on an exciting new chapter and leave the EU.

"There’s lots to be thankful for and lots to look forward to."

Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, said the borough had faced the challenge of the pandemic with "strength, spirit and resilience".

He said: "As leader of the council, I am very proud of the range of support that the council, our partners and an army of volunteers have co-ordinated under some challenging circumstances. It has meant that vital support and systems were quickly in place, so that essential help, advice and equipment could reach those who needed it most.

"Restrictions and compliance are now familiar themes for all of us – during the last nine months, I have seen time and time again, how Walsall has come together and gone the extra mile to help keep everyone safe. Thank you – we have come so far and we must continue to work together to see this pandemic through to the end.

"The best Christmas present you can give your loved ones is to be safe and healthy, and to not risk their safety. Please remember that the easing of social restrictions at Christmas time does not mean that the risk of Covid-19 is reduced. Just because we can meet with family and friends, it doesn’t mean we should.

"However you celebrate this year, I wish all of you a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas time."

Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, praised people and council staff for coming together to help people in the area: "I want to thank the people of Sandwell for their kindness, their patience and for doing everything they can to help us stop the spread of Covid-19.

"I particularly want to thank the many community heroes we have in Sandwell – from our NHS staff, carers and council workers, to the volunteers, other key workers and everyone else who has been doing their bit. People in Sandwell, despite how awful things have been, have really shown their spirit, resilience and their big hearts.

"It’s going to be a different Christmas and New Year for us all. We think of those who have lost loved ones this year and others who cannot celebrate as they usually would.

"Now is the time for us to continue to pull together as we look forward to a brighter, happier 2021. We know there are challenges ahead. The most important thing is that we all continue to follow the rules, look out for one another and not take unnecessary risks.

"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from me to you – please stay safe and support one another."

Councillor Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "I’m not sure how many of us want to look back on 2020 in any detail, but when I do, I think with deep pride how the people of Staffordshire responded to this unique challenge with a great spirit and willingness to help one another get through it.

"We all need to maintain our efforts in the new year until the vaccinations begin to take effect, but there is, I think, a greater sense of hope now.

"And as we enter 2021 Staffordshire County Council will remain at the forefront of local efforts to reignite our economy, reinvigorate our communities and raise aspirations for people across our great county.

"We will continue to spend on caring for those who need our support and, at the same time, investing millions of pounds in roads, broadband, business sites and school places so that our county remains a place for existing businesses to thrive and for new ones to prosper.

"I am hopeful that brighter times lie ahead, restrictions will ease and we can share better times with our families, friends and communities."

Councillor Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council, said: "What a different message this is from the one that I would usually send at this time of year. Everyone will surely be glad to see the back of 2020 knowing that the new year brings better news as we look to recover from the pandemic. And we must not forget those who will be working through the festive period to ensure we are kept safe and well – we are so grateful for those on the frontline who have performed exceptionally over the many months this virus has been with us.

"I want our community to enjoy this Christmas but most of all I want you and your loved ones to remain safe. You must continue to do all you can to protect your families – children, partners, mums, dads, and grandparents. We know the vaccine is already being rolled out and offers us the chance to start believing that life will return to normal.

"I would love to see some of the good things that evolved from this terrible time stay with us. For example the amazing community spirit that witnessed people helping those less fortunate in their area, ensuring the vulnerable were supported and that the isolated had someone to turn to. If anything good is to come out of something so bad, then I hope it will be this.

"I wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Christmas and New Year."

Councillor Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: "After what has been an incredibly challenging year for us all, I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you for pulling together and helping one another through this extraordinary period.

"Watching hundreds of volunteers and businesses mobilise across the district during both lockdowns has reminded me once again why Lichfield District is such a fantastic place to live.

"Now the vaccine has started to be rolled out, we can see an end in sight to the restrictions that have become a way of life in 2020.

"Through all the challenges of adapting to a new way of living and working, there have been many things to celebrate.

"From the outpouring of love for the NHS and everyone rallying around to support local businesses, through to the generosity shown by so many who are looking out for community members, it has been wonderful to see the district at its best.

"I hope 2021 will be kinder to us all, and I hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year."

Councillor Graham Ballinger, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said 2020 would "go down in history" – but stressed there was hope for some normality next year.

He said: "A lot has happened in the last 12 months, but there is now a light at the end of the tunnel and with the roll-out of a vaccine we all look forward to things getting back to where they should be in 2021.

"I have been so proud to be leader of Wyre Forest during this extremely difficult time, because I have been able to see first-hand the outstanding community spirit and cooperation of local residents, businesses and organisations in the district who have come together to fight this pandemic. I have also been impressed by the dedication of our staff who have worked on, some, like our refuse workers, on the frontline, others finding new ways to deliver services from their own homes, all with the common aim of keeping services going and supporting our residents and businesses.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who lives, works or visits Wyre Forest a safe and happy Christmas and let’s all hope for a brighter year ahead in 2021."

Councillor Ballinger added the council had dealt with floods at the start of the year and was now focused on revamping Kidderminster – as well as helping good causes through the Wyre Forest District Community Lottery.