"WE will pull together as a community to get through the difficulties ahead."

That is the message to the community from Ilkley Town Mayor Mark Stidworthy as the town faces unprecedented times due the continued spread of the coronavirus.

Last Friday the first Ilkley Coronavirus Planning Meeting took place at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley, with representatives attending from the town council, district councillors, health centres, Community Action Ilkley, Ilkley Good Neighbours, and local churches.

The meeting was chaired by Stuart Hyde, chairman of the Clarke Foley Centre, who is also currently involved in national working groups on coronavirus. The purpose of the cross-agency working was to consider how best to support and advise residents on the looming pandemic, in particular to consider the needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, the isolated and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Since the meeting action taken includes: the publication and distribution to every home in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding (by the end of this week) of a leaflet full of advice on coronavirus (Covid-19); the Town Council has rushed payment through for the leaflet as an ‘emergency measure’, and is looking closely at how to best support and fund the next steps; a single point of contact has been established through Community Action Ilkley, with a telephone contact on the leaflet; Ilkley Food Bank and a newly-formed soup kitchen are working together, supported by all Saints Church and St John's Church; funding streams through Councils and Rotary have been identified to cover urgent and emergency measures and a "rock-solid" strategy team has been set up, all communicating, and working effectively together in support of each other.

Chairman of the group Stuart Hyde said: "At this very challenging time it is really good to see local charities, councillors and business coming together to face Covid19. Most importantly we all have to look after each other as well as ourselves following advice to wash our hands and think about how protect everyone from the virus. We will be sending out further information soon."

Ilkley Town Mayor, Mark Stidworthy said: "We are in unprecedented times in Ilkley as coronavirus means it can no longer be business as usual around the town. Although the situation is constantly changing and the future is uncertain, we can confidently predict that as a town we will pull together as a community to get through the difficulties ahead.

"Ilkley is filled with compassionate, resourceful and resilient people, and already has a wide range of community groups looking out for our residents. Planning is underway so they can continue and expand their work as the situation develops. In the next few days, every household will receive a leaflet encouraging us a community to be good neighbours, look out for our families and friends, and asking for volunteers to help.

"If you are able to help, and it is safe for you to do so, please join the community effort. If you are feeling isolated, lonely, or need help yourself, please remember that the Ilkley community is ready and willing to help you, and get in touch.

"If you need help, or you would like to volunteer, the telephone number is: 07375 803 693 or go online to: https://bit.ly/ilkleycorona"