For local authorities throughout the UK the Covid-19 pandemic quickly brought new challenges and new ways of working. Alongside whole departments adapting and working flexibly to keep essential services running, many people have been required to take on new roles on the frontline of the pandemic.

For Hyndburn Borough Council this includes over 2,100 pro-active visits to businesses by Environmental Health and Business Information Officers.

Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:

“We employ hundreds of people at Hyndburn Borough Council and the vast majority are also local residents. Throughout our organisation people’s jobs and lives have been changed due to the global pandemic. One of our teams who have had their roles re-shaped this year from the very beginning are our Environmental Health Officers.

Officers have risen to the challenge and worked quickly to prevent further spread of Covid-19, taking action in Hyndburn when it has been required for the safety of residents. They have been on hand at all times to give advice, have made over 2,100 proactive visits to establishments and have been directly involved in managing 33 outbreaks of the virus in our borough.

On behalf of Hyndburn I would like to say thank you to each and every individual in the team, through your hard work you have prevented loss of life and worked to support our borough.”

During 2020 Hyndburn Borough Council Officers:

-Sent 2,865 direct communications to businesses/organisations

-Responded to 551 requests for advice regarding COVID-19 safety

-Made 2137 pro-active visits to businesses/organisations

-Made 160 re-active visits

When risks to the general public have been unacceptable Officers have taken quick action resulting in:

–6 closures

–3 notices served

–33 local outbreaks managed

Miles continues:

“We have started a new year and the threat of Covid-19 is far from over, it is important to remember everyone who is working every day for the safety of others. To those who work in education, in public services, in our shops and delivery services, in healthcare and in all other roles throughout Hyndburn, thank you.

The best thing we can do as a community to help our frontline workers is stay at home whenever possible, limit our social contact as much as possible and follow all the guidelines.”

For information on guidance and restrictions in place visit: gov.uk