CORONAVIRUS: ABC Council to review services and facilities ahead of special meeting

ABC Lord Mayor Mealla Campbell said, after speaking to the council’s Chief Executive Roger Wilson, that officers are reviewing the operation of council services and facilities.

She said: “A full list of affected facilities and services will be posted in due course.

“This is an evolving situation and I will post updates when confirmed.”

Meanwhile a special meeting of the council has been called for Thursday by the Lord Mayor.

Party colleague SDLP Group Leader Cllr Thomas O’Hanlon explained, ‘These are unprecedented times and people are worried and panicking. The conflicting messages and inaction from governments isn’t helping and they are turning to local public representatives for guidance and help. People don’t know how to react, as we’ve never witnessed anything like this before. It’s the unknown that is getting to people the most, not knowing what to do or what to expect.

“Council have contingency plans are in place. and has already cancelled some council run events, but this will be extended and will include council venues and facilities. Councillors will have further decisions to take. However I appreciate communication with residents will be key in the coming days.’

“These are difficult times people are crying out for leadership and direction. We are committed to playing our part, we are committed to providing support to residents and I would urge all groupings on Council to unite in our resolve to get through this. This is not the time for political point scoring or for party politics. People want leadership and they want political representatives to lead.”

DUP Council Group Leader Cllr Mark Baxter said: “This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone and the situation is so fluid and is changing day by day. I will be recommending that Council does what it can to assist in what will be, a ‘nation-wide’ response to the Covid19 virus. No options should be off the table and I will be expecting ABC Council to ensure that as a public body it’s resources are used where possible and where safe to do so, to reduce the risks associated with the virus.

“This is a time for calm and rational thought leading to action which is backed up by sound medical and scientific advice.”

Alliance Councillor Eóin Tennyson has said the health and wellbeing of citizens is the utmost priority ahead of the special meeting.

He said: “The health and wellbeing of citizens is the utmost priority at this time.”

“Parties have already agreed a number of precautionary steps, including the cancellation of events such as the Senior Sports Awards.

“The situation remains under continuous review with senior officers meeting daily to assess and respond to key priorities. Senior staff are also involved in ongoing emergency preparedness and business continuity planning to ensure delivery of services throughout this public health situation.

“Other measures remain under active consideration and we will be seeking further guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive and Public Health Agency in this regard.

“It is essential that proportionate decisions are taken at the right time in accordance with scientific evidence if we are to safeguard the health and wellbeing of citizens.

“At this stage, we would reiterate the need for the public to follow the latest public health advice and encourage everyone to look out for the vulnerable and the elderly in our community over the coming weeks.

“Understandably, there is a lot of anxiety around COVID-19, and we will be pushing for as much information as possible to made available to the general public.”

Alliance Councillor Eóin Tennyson has called for the immediate closure of all council facilities. This comes after updated scientific advice.

He said, “Following updated scientific advice, I have written to the Chief Executive of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to request the immediate closure of all leisure centres and public facilities.

“This is a drastic, but necessary step in the interests of public health which remains our utmost priority.

“We encourage everyone to comply with the latest public health advice and look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours in the week ahead.”