A PRUDHOE town councillor has called on the local, Conservative MP and the Government for greater support in the Covid-19 aftermath.

Ignasious Varghese, who represents the Castlefields and Low Prudhoe ward, staged an open meeting on Prudhoe Glade on Monday, August 31, to send a message to Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman and other politicians.

The postal worker asked that the Government offer support to families who have lost income, due to loss of a family member to Covid-19, with tax relief for two years.

He also called for greater protection for Asian and Ethnic minority groups, who are of high risk if there is to be a second peak of the coronavirus.

In addition, the councillor, who has served since 2017, wanted to see the hard work of nurses and social and health care workers formally recognised with a pay rise, after they continued to deliver their duties, risking their lives at the height of the outbreak.

Together with the Union of UK Malayalee Association (UUKMA), Mr Varghese has written to the MP directly on this issue.

The event, which was supported by fellow councillors, Gordon Stewart, of Prudhoe South ward, and Chris Barrett, of Castle and Eltringham ward, as well as mayor of Prudhoe Tracy Gilmore, also raised awareness for justice for Jacobite Syrian Churches in India.

It comes after followers of the ancient church have been horribly persecuted by a dissident group who have taken over places of worship.

Ignasious and wife, Shiji, made over 100 traditional Indian meals during lockdown to be dished out to people in the town who were self-isolating, with daughters Noella and Niah helping to distribute the care packages.

The couple also donated 16 hours worth of pay - two days - to good causes during the coronavirus crisis.