DISTRICT councillor Kyle Green (Con, Ilkley) has called on Ilkley and Ben Rhydding residents and businesses to keep supporting one another and stick together as a community as we reach the most challenging time so far during the pandemic.

With many residents extremely frustrated and fed up with the restrictions that Ilkley and Ben Rhydding have faced for many months, Councillor Green has implored residents to keep following the rules and guidance while keeping on supporting one another, especially at a time when the virus has mutated, making it easier to spread.

Speaking about the challenges faced by many and the need to stick together as a community, Councillor Green said: "I know how frustrating it is to be in a third lockdown. Many are now furloughed again, families are having to juggle home schooling with work commitments, and others are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic. On top of this, many children and young people are struggling with being out of school or indeed now back at home after a very different time at university.

"Despite all these challenges, Ilkley and Ben Rhydding residents have done a fantastic job at sticking together and it is absolutely vital that as a community we continue to do this. Only by sticking together, following the guidance and rules, and supporting one another will we get through this, and we will get through this now that we have the fantastic NHS staff and volunteers working incredibly hard to deliver vaccinations.

"I would urge anyone who can to help support this effort by signing up to be part of the NHS Volunteer Responders, who are helping to get the vaccine rolled out. This is something I have already volunteered for myself. For those who are struggling, please remember you are not alone and there is help to support you, not least by calling the Bradford Council helpline on 01274 431000.

"Thank you once again to everyone in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding for your fantastic effort in defeating this virus so far and let us hope that soon we will be back to a world that is far closer to the one we lived in before the pandemic.”