AN UPDATE has been issued by Teignbridge Council which includes a joint statement from Teignbridge Managing Director, Phil Shears and Council leader, Gordon Hook.

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: ’We want to reassure everyone that staff and councillors are working hard to deal with the many challenges posed by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

‘Our priority is to keep essential services running and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people who live and work in Teignbridge. With face-to-face contact strictly limited, many services can still be accessed and many transactions carried out online. Our website is being updated frequently. You can sign up to our MyAccount online service for a wide range of options.

‘The Council’s senior team is constantly monitoring the daily guidance from Government experts, assessing what this means for us, reacting quickly to the changing situation and ensuring that people are kept informed through a range of communication channels, including this newsletter which we will publish regularly.’

Joint statement from Teignbridge Council Managing Director, Phil Shears and Council leader, Gordon Hook:

‘We are currently facing one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime, with a rapidly evolving situation that poses fresh problems at every turn. To come through this emergency each of us must play our full part in helping to beat the Coronavirus pandemic.

‘We will need to be resilient, resourceful and courageous to make it through the difficult months ahead. We need to work together, to help each other wherever possible and to be patient when things we expect either don’t happen or don’t get done as soon as we’d like.

‘Please be reassured that our commitment to you remains firm and we will continue to provide critical services using our very best efforts. We’re proud to say that every single member of our staff is playing their part and working tirelessly to ensure that, despite multiple challenges, vital services are still being delivered to the best possible standard.

‘Of course some normal ‘nice to do’ service areas may have to be put on hold, whilst other special measures are brought in whilst the emergency lasts. We know we can count on your understanding as we concentrate our resources in the areas where they help and protect people – especially the more vulnerable.

‘We will continue to review and adapt as necessary, and importantly, we will continue to provide up-to-date information about our services and the latest advice via our own communication channels and through the print, online and broadcast media.

‘It is in the interests of everyone to stay informed about what’s happening in our district.

‘Thank you – keep safe and stay well – Together #WeAreDevon’