SEVERAL hard-working council staff have been asked to take up critical new roles around the community to help residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

Employees whose regular jobs have been affected by the crisis have been moved into positions where extra support is needed to keep up with the pressure caused by the pandemic.

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John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It’s been fantastic to see staff adapt so quickly to our communities changing needs.

“I could not be more proud of how the officers have reacted to this unprecedented emergency.

“Many of our officers have stepped into new roles including essential support services for our most vulnerable residents.

“Our number-one priority is to help guide local people through what is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time.

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“It is heart-warming to see council employees working alongside many community and voluntary groups in a combined effort to support residents across the borough.”

One council officer, Helen Brown, has been her business skills to use for Citizens Advice aiding their food distribution network and supporting the community hub.

She said: “Being redeployed has shown me that we have the best community and voluntary sector.

“Their commitment and dedication is outstanding.

“It has been a real honour to work alongside these people and their organisations. They never stop!”

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Several other employees are also involved with Citizens Advice Wokingham now.

Project manager Michael Bateman is another who has been helping man the service’s telephone lines.

He said: “I’ve been answering telephone calls and, as expected, there are many from residents whose lives have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are therefore providing a lot of advice and support with queries around food parcel deliveries, collection of prescription medication, employment issues and tenancy disputes.”

“I am very happy that I’ve been able to provide some level of support to people in what has been a difficult period of late.

“It has been extremely gratifying to see how all the various organisations and community groups in the borough have pulled together to help those who are in need!”