Knaresborough residents come together to respond to coronavirus pandemic

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A new Facebook group, ‘Knaresborough Coronovirus Support Community Group’, has now been launched, where members can come together to offer help to the vulnerable, elderly and those self-isolating.

Sarah Chisem, co-founder of the Facebook page, said: "We really want to encourage people to be good neighbours for those who are needing to self-isolate. A friendly leaflet is available on the Facebook page that you print off and use to post through your neighbours door."

The leaflet allows you to give your contact details and information about any services you can provide.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has also stressed the town will stay open for business for as long as possible.

Bill Taylor, Secretary to the Chamber, said that shop owners are committing to even higher standards of hygiene than usual. They are also setting up a website which will be live in a matter of days where you can get local supplies of food basics delivered to your door.

Councillor David Goode said: "I know that Knaresborough has what it takes to rise to this challenge and am backing these community efforts 100%. Whilst Knaresborough Town Council is needing to cancel many of its official meetings at present you can rest assured that accessing help and information through their website and e-mailing any enquiries will be responded to as people begin to work remotely’.

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To help in coordinating this activity, the newly formed Knaresborough Connectors scheme, which is a legacy project from the St Robert anniversary in 2018, is gearing up.

Those involved are asking people in Knaresborough who may be in need of some help to email [email protected], or call 07593882340.

These points of contact will be accessed by local volunteers at least twice a day depending on need to enable them to signpost people to the right points of help.

And Knaresborough Online’s Susanna Lewis has also set up a group page on her website as a central point for residents to talk about their ideas and needs.

She said: “This page will hopefully be a place that people can look for information, whether this is about event cancellations or help with collecting medication. I am asking businesses to get in touch with me if they are offering any help within the community, such as supplying basic essential foodstuffs or delivering medication.

“I also want to hear from voluntary groups who may be providing a service to the community as they are crucial in a crisis like this, especially when dealing with the elderly and vulnerable.

"I want to act as a hub for anyone who is feeling scared and vulnerable so that I can redirect them to the right person or group.”

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Visit www.knaresboroughonline.com to join the discussion.