West Sussex County Council has thanked staff who will be working on the frontline to continue protecting residents over Easter.
Leader Paul Marshall said: “Easter is a special time to spend with loved ones but I know that lots of people, including many of our own staff and those of our contractors, will still be going out to work to keep people safe and keep the country running.
“Our social workers, occupational therapists, care workers and all our care and meal providers will be visiting and shielding our most vulnerable adults and families who are relying on their support more than ever.
“Our firefighters will continue to be on call over the Easter period and will be working alongside both county council colleagues and other emergency services when they are called upon.
“Our schools will remain open throughout what should have been the Easter break, some on Good Friday and Easter Monday, so school staff can look after children and allow their parents to continue the national coronavirus fight.
“And others will be on call to keep our highways safe, handling referrals into our Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, delivering vital supplies to the most in need as part of our Community Hubs and doing many other crucial roles.
“When the country joins together again tonight to clap for key workers, including the wonderful NHS, I hope our staff will feel a huge sense of pride in the work they are doing for others.
“To all of you, thank you and stay safe.”
Some frontline West Sussex County Council staff are working longer shifts than usual to keep vital services running. Many have already volunteered to play a role in our Community Hubs with district and borough councils and the NHS to deliver food and supplies to those most in need during the pandemic.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s hydrant technicians have stepped in to help with the delivery of additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) around the county. As well as continuing their roles of testing the county’s fire hydrants, they are helping to transport PPE to where it is most needed.
We would like to remind nurses, doctors and other key workers that they can continue to park for free on West Sussex roads over the Easter period, they just need to display some identification in their car window.