The Leader of Selby District Council, Cllr Mark Crane, has paid tribute to the way residents and businesses have responded to the Covid-19 crisis on the anniversary of the first UK lockdown.

Cllr Crane said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been very difficult for all of us. We have faced many challenges and, sadly, some have lost loved ones. On the anniversary of the lockdown it is important that we reflect on our losses and acknowledge the adversities we’ve lived through.

“The last year has seen a great many difficulties with deaths, lockdowns, exam cancellations and school closures affecting each and every one of us, with no-one left untouched by the pandemic.

“However, the residents of our district have shown remarkable resilience by coming together to support each other. We’ve seen residents shopping for neighbours, running errands and collecting prescriptions. New community support organisations have been set up and continue to run and support their communities today.

“It has been heartening to see many people commit to shopping locally and supporting their local business community as a response to the pandemic and I hope that continues in the future.

Selby District Council’s Chief Executive Janet Waggott added, “I’m very proud of the flexibility our residents have shown working in different ways to ensure services continue to be delivered to those who need them – in both the public and private sector.

“We’ve seen our business community reacting to the pandemic by adapting, working differently, moving online and changing their services, perhaps by delivering or offering click and collect. The way people have embraced virtual working and adapted to catching up online using video calling to keep in touch has been quite remarkable.

“I’m also really proud of the community spirit and partnership working between the faith, voluntary and community sectors which is still ongoing now. This has been vital to ensure we have been able to help and support each other at such a difficult time and throughout the various lockdowns.

“I think the residents and businesses of the Selby district should rightly be very proud of the way they as a community have reacted to this pandemic.”