MORE than six weeks into the UK's coronavirus lockdown, a mayor has congratulated residents on the Herefordshire-Powys border to the way they have adapted.

Mayor of Presteigne and Norton Town Council, Trevor Owens, said people have largely accepted the lockdown and have kept their spirits up despite the ongoing pandemic.

"Shop staff and owners with whom I have spoken say the overwhelming majority of customers have been more than happy with the restrictions – after all, it's in everyone's best interests," coun Owens said.

"A word for the volunteers of all kinds who have been helping ensure some degree of normality for all of us, whether it be those who have helped gently marshal the numbers in shops, or who have been helping out with deliveries, your efforts are very much appreciated by all of us."

There has been a team working in the town to produce bags for NHS workers to use to carry their scrubs in, as well as those who are supporting friends and neighbours in the Welsh town.

"Barbara Roberts and her sewing team have been producing scrubs bags for NHS workers and their sewing machines must wonder what has hit them such has been the number of bags they have turned out in recent weeks.

"Congratulations to everyone involved in this scheme as it's clearly very much appreciated by those frontline workers who are benefitting.

Then, there are all those who could be described as being under the radar – maybe you are doing the shopping for a neighbour who is in the high-risk category so who can't get out themselves or perhaps you've been collecting items from the pharmacy.

"There are all those parents who are having to home-school their children, many while juggling their day jobs while working from home.

"You might not necessarily feel you are contributing a great deal but you certainly are. Everyone involved at whatever level deserves our thanks and this, again, illustrates the community spirit of which we should all be proud."

Coun Owens also praised the work of the town's emergency services, as well as carers and those working in the GP surgery.

"Any loss of life due to coronavirus is a tragedy but the cooperation of all residents at this time can surely only contribute to the numbers locally being kept to a minimum," he said.

"Businesses in the town will be desperate for things to return to normal and this is entirely understandable but I would urge people to continue to follow the official scientific advice.

He added: "On behalf of the Town Council, I would like to reiterate our thanks to everyone for their efforts in dealing with the lockdown so far – please stick with it."