"Co-operation, collaboration and community spirit" will be key to getting Helensburgh, and the rest of Argyll and Bute, through the coronavirus crisis.

That's the view of Helensburgh councillor, and Argyll and Bute Council leader, Aileen Morton this week ahead of the first meeting of a new emergency committee set up as part of the authority's response to the Covid-19 threat.

The 'business continuity committee', which will meet online on Thursday, will be given details of the work the council has taken to tackle the challenges presented by the pandemic.

It includes mention of childcare for the children of key workers, managing a community helpline, administering Scottish Government grant funding for businesses and redeploying staff to the most essential service areas.

The council previously announced changes to many of its day-to-day services to cope with the pandemic, including closing public toilets, changing waste collection schedules, and reducing road repairs.

READ MORE: Argyll and Bute introduces new fortnightly bin collection schedule during lockdown

Councillor Morton said: “Tackling the threat of Covid-19 is meaning huge change for us all.

"We must all co-operate with the national guidance that will keep us safe and healthy.

"For our employees this means changing how we work. Many now work from home, often with their children to look after now that schools are closed, some have to self-isolate and social distancing applies to everyone.

"Times that are extremely challenging though often bring out the very best in people, and that is what I am seeing.

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"Employees from less busy services are stepping up where possible to help those where demand is high. Delivering our most vital services and developing new ways of supporting people means dealing with a huge volume of work, at pace.

"It’s collaboration across the council that is making this possible – that, and the help of our communities."

The community helpline – available on 01546 605524 – was set up in partnership with Argyll and Bute's health and social care partnership and the area's Third Sector Interface, the umbrella organisation for the local voluntary sector.

It provides a single point of contact for local people with concerns about financial, business, education, registration and social and homecare needs, while people can also use it to volunteer.

READ MORE: Nearly £5m approved to help Argyll and Bute businesses through pandemic

"Community volunteers are playing a key part in the work we are doing to help the people most at risk from Covid-19," Cllr Morton continued.

"More than that, local people are looking out for their neighbours and friends in different ways to help ensure that isolating doesn’t mean being isolated.

"This community spirit is something we should all be proud of in Argyll and Bute.

"The council will work tirelessly to help local people deal with Covid-19, and when this difficult situation ends, which it will, we will be here to help life in Argyll and Bute move on.”

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