Wednesday 4 April 2018

The strength of local communities


I have often talked about how Wiltshire is unique – based on its strong communities that consistently come together to make a positive difference. This is based on the many willing volunteers that help to deliver local events and offer a helping hand to others; particularly those who are older and often less able to cope.

And, as I have also previously stated - if all of us could do a little or a small act; what a big difference we could make.

The shocking incident that happened one month ago today in the beautiful city of Salisbury has highlighted that even in the most difficult of circumstances, the local community has come together to support and help and demonstrate its outstanding resilience.

As I’m sure you are aware, the council is leading the programme to help Salisbury recover. This has meant working closely with local businesses and residents as well as a number of local and national agencies, to do all we can to help the city return to normal.

The health and wellbeing is the absolute priority and DEFRA’s recent message that Salisbury is safe for residents and visitors, outside of the cordoned areas, is extremely reassuring.   

The recovery work needed to decontaminate and remediate the sites affected will take time, but it is essential that this is thorough and carefully planned work to ensure the sites are clean and safe for the future.

The free car parking in the centre car parks and the five park and ride sites was implemented to encourage visitors and shoppers to the city centre and its working!
Investment in marketing will encourage tour operators and visitors to choose Salisbury. We will host these visitors with pride reflecting what makes Wiltshire and the city of Salisbury great.

Strength comes from unity and a common cause; and resilience comes from standing up to what you believe in. Working with the local community we will help Salisbury to recover and go from strength to strength.

Jane

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