Message from the leader of Rochford District Council

These are unprecedented times, and I would like to thank Rochford District residents and businesses for the changes you have made to your daily lives.

From the volunteers offering to help others by dropping food at the doorstep, to those in the ‘vulnerable group’ staying home to keep well and take pressure off the NHS, to businesses offering supplies and PPE, this is a collaborative effort.

I would like to assure you that we have well-developed contingency plans, and are working with our colleagues in the NHS and the emergency services to action these measures and provide support where it is needed.

Our staff are working hard to provide our core services, and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this time, as well as all our Ward Councillors who are working together to provide support to our communities (if you need to contact them their details can be found at www.rochford.gov.uk).

We have such a strong community spirit in the Rochford District, and it’s wonderful see all the little ‘acts of kindness’ from people who are helping their neighbours at this time. In many cases new friendships have even been formed between neighbours who had never spoken before, but now realise they have a hidden support network around them.

It was incredibly moving to hear everyone taking part in the #ClapforCarers on Thursday evening, I could hear the swell of applause slowly moving along my road like a wave, and it shows the strength of feeling we have for our NHS workers and their efforts.

I’d particularly like to recognise the efforts of our local schools, who have found such innovative ways to support local children, and the churches and community groups who have stepped in to support our towns and villages. And to our NHS, emergency services and key workers on the front line, thank you for all you do.

Most importantly, #StayAtHome, wash your hands, and we will continue to provide you with information about the latest support and advice. Please sign up for e-mail alerts at ww.rochford.gov.uk/tellmemore and follow our social media channels Facebook:  Rochford District Council,, Instagram @RochfordDC and Twitter @RochfordDC

Cllr Mike Steptoe

Leader of Rochford District Council