The Liberal Democrats have called upon Stockport Council to formally recognise those volunteers and key workers that supported local communities throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.
Across Stockport, organisations such as Helping Hands, Cheadle FM, and Woodley & Bredbury COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group organised support for those residents who were isolated as shops and services closed down.
Councillor Tom Morrison, Shadow Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods led the motion which called for the Council’s Chief Executive to write an open letter of thanks and for the Council to organise a day in the Stockport calendar to commemorate those that supported their communities.
The motion which was moved by Tom Morrison and seconded by Stepping Hill councillor, Mark Weldon, attracted cross party support, with politicians from all sides backing the plans.
Councillor Morrison said, “The last few months have been the darkest in living memory. People across Stockport have suffered, with businesses being forced to close and of course the awful human impact of a growing death rate which has impacted hundreds of families locally.
“However, the way local residents have stood up and helped those in need has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s only right that Stockport celebrates those volunteers and key workers, those people that kept our borough afloat when the crisis hit.
“The word hero is used too often these days, but that’s what these people are. They deserve a huge thanks and I am delighted that this idea has gained cross party support.”
Councillor Mark Weldon said, “It was never in doubt that people across Stockport would come together like this. We live in such a brilliant area and the communities that shape them really come in their own when situations arise like this.”
The text of the motion can be found below. It was debated at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 9th July 2020 and received unanimous support.
