CONSERVATIVE county councillors in Hexham have issued a statement providing help to those living locally affected by the threat of Coronavirus.

Cath Homer, for Hexham East, and Trevor Cessford, ward member for Hexham Central with Acomb, are offering their services to residents and businesses as the threat of the virus increases.

The statement read: "Firstly, as an organisation, Northumberland County Council is well prepared, and senior managers from across the council are meeting regularly to plan for what a pandemic may mean for the council as an organisation, and to the residents who use and need council services, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.

"This includes resource planning to support delivery of those critical services, and mapping out non-critical service areas and staff who may need to be redirected to support those, should the need arise.

"If there are any issues that our residents are concerned about or would like help with, please contact us in the normal way by email, phone, or message.

"We may not be able to help directly but we will do all we can to signpost people to the most appropriate help as quickly as possible.

"That includes anyone self isolating who may need additional assistance.

"In the meantime, do please follow national guidance here from Government and Public Health England, and do please check up on neighbours and family members to make sure they are as well as they can be and they have everything they need.

"The situation is changing daily and we continue to monitor the situation locally and nationally."

Coun. Homer can be contacted on Cath.Homer@Northumberland.gov.uk or 07766924639, and Coun. Cessford on Trevor.Cessford@northumberland.gov.uk or 07375 056339.