THE Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group has resumed regular meetings in response to a "significant rise" in cases of Covid-19 over recent weeks.

The latest figures provided by Public Health England show the number of positive cases from September 18 to September 24 are: Ilkley & Ben Rhydding - 15; Burley-in-Wharfedale - 4; Menston & Burley Moor - 4; Addingham & Ilkley Moor - 3.

Speaking on behalf of the Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group, Ilkley Town Mayor Councillor Mark Stidworthy said: "Developments with COVID-19 over the last few weeks are a source of disappointment to all of us in Ilkley, and many are anxious and inconvenienced again as a second wave of the virus impacts on our daily lives. It may be difficult to stay optimistic.

"After several months when Ilkley and neighbouring Wharfedale have been fortunate to have few cases of the virus, we should be in no doubt that the virus is once again circulating here, with a significant rise in cases over recent weeks.

"Compared with March, there are many positive developments in local, district and national preparedness. Although difficulties remain in scaling up the test and trace regime, public health officials now have a much more up to date and precise understanding of the spread of the virus in our community.

"Bradford Council is working closely with Public Health England and key organisations across the District to respond to the national situation through a co-ordinated local response. Local GP surgeries have been working hard throughout, developing safe services for local patients, and are now busy delivering winter flu vaccinations to those that need them.

"If you need a COVID test ring 119. Local businesses have invested and trained to become COVID-secure, continuing to serve us safely. Local organisations have found new ways to engage with the local community.

"Despite uncertainty and logistical challenges, our local schools have reopened their gates to all pupils and played an enormous role in re-energising and supporting young people and their families.

"If we feel dispirited as the pandemic extends into the foreseeable future, I hope we can reflect with pride on everything we have achieved as a community so far, and use this as a springboard to renew our commitment and enthusiasm to make the best of the months ahead.

"We must continue to take individual responsibility for the collective welfare and safety of everybody in our town. Ilkley’s care homes suffered badly in the first wave of the pandemic, and as a town we have many people in at-risk groups.

"The community response and the respect that Ilkley’s citizens showed for one another in sticking to the rules during the first lockdown were exemplary.

"I hope that all of us will work to understand and respect the isolation and social distancing regulations, upload the NHS Test and Trace App and take every step we can in the months ahead to care for the needs of others, protect the NHS, keep our schools open and support our local economy.

"Many vulnerable groups have not enjoyed some of the limited freedoms available to others over the summer and remain supported by voluntary groups such as Ilkley Good Neighbours. The precarious economic situation has left many furloughed, on reduced hours or without employment altogether.

"If the pandemic is affecting your mental resilience our local NHS MyWellbeing College is here to help (telephone 0300 555 5551 or online at https://bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk).

"The Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group is now resuming regular meetings to collect grass-roots information, support our partners and be ready to respond to developing needs. If you need help and don’t have anyone to help you, please call the Bradford Council Helpline on 01274 431000, and they will guide you to local assistance."

With new cases starting to emerge in Ilkley, district councillors Kyle Green, Mike Gibbons and Anne Hawkesworth are also calling for residents to remain vigilant and remember to follow the government guidelines of Hands - Face - Space in order to help the town defeat coronavirus.

In order to help stop a wave of infections in the town, the councillors are calling for residents and businesses to remember to take responsibility to take measures to help stop the spread of the virus, such as wearing face masks where required, adhering to social distancing and respecting the rules of self-isolation if a resident fears they may have developed symptoms of the virus.

All three councillors say they "understand the frustrations that mixed messaging and actions from Bradford Council have had in confusing residents and businesses who want to do the right thing" but add what they believe is most important is that the town of Ilkley comes together as it did at the start of the pandemic to support residents in need, and to shop local to support local businesses.

With everyone wanting to see the best for the town, all three councillors hope "that we can pull together to keep our spirits up and help us battle through this pandemic."

The latest local COVID-19 advice can be found at https://www.bradford.gov.uk/health/health-advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19-advice.