Coronavirus: A message from our Leader

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, has today issued a statement about Coronavirus and the steps the Council is taking.

He has also offered hints and tips on how residents can help each other in the borough.

He said:

I know this is a very worrying time for our residents and businesses. This is the worst public health crisis in a generation and it is going to affect all our lives.

Please be assured that senior officers at the Council are working with Public Health England, the NHS and others partners to make sure we are as prepared as possible.

We are going to have to take some tough decisions in the coming weeks. Any action we take will be in line with national advice and guidance.

Some local decisions we have already taken include postponing the Mayor’s Ball this coming Friday; working with partners, we are also reviewing all planned events over the next few weeks and months and will update you further when we can; and postponing the future apprentice events.

One decision that has been taken at a national level is the postponement of local elections. I fully support this decision although I know it has not been taken lightly as the democratic process is so important to our society.

Our priority is supporting the borough’s most vulnerable and our children’s services and adults’ services are working hard on plans to support them.

We all need to support each other through this unprecedented situation. Steps we can take include keeping an eye out on our neighbours, especially older ones, not sharing information from unofficial sources and not contributing to circulating scare stories and being responsible when buying goods for your family. We have some great community spirit in the borough which we will have to foster during this crisis.

We have special section on our website dedicated to up to date information including links to national guidance including information to protect yourself and your family.

Latest information and advice.