STANLEY Town Council has announced it will hold a meeting on Tuesday to put in place emergency arrangements to allow the council to function and take steps to support the community through the coronavirus crisis.

A post on the council’s Facebook page says: “The council is legally obliged to admit the public to its meetings, however in the current conditions we urge members of the public not to attend this meeting.

“We have taken steps to ensure that the legal minimum number of councillors attend to make a legal decision and the minimum number of staff.

“We will report fully the decisions taken immediately after the meeting. Please follow the Government’s guidance on social distancing and avoiding unnecessary contact with people.”

It has been proposed that the council re-directs funds allocated for other projects during the budget setting exercise in January to support the community more effectively during the crisis.

In particular this is proposed to include support for village Halls and community centres which will be at threat of closure without

revenue from hire and building usage and local community groups which are organising support efforts for residents.

Under measures already taken, council staff have been placed on a rota to enforce social distancing, which ensures that the office is covered whilst other staff work away from the office. The Civic Hall has been closed to the public and events cancelled until the end of April.

It has been proposed that all council outdoor events until the end of August should be cancelled. This would include Armed Forces Day, All five play in the Park events and the

Miner's sunday/ Heritage Weekend events.