On becoming the new Mayor of Epsom & Ewell earlier this month, Councillor Humphrey Reynolds immediately thanked the charities, organisations and volunteers within the borough, highlighting their “magnificent job in the present unprecedented circumstances”.
Councillor Reynolds now been speaking directly with some of the council staff involved in the Covid-19 response, including the team leader addressing housing and homelessness and a member of the waste and recycling team.
"I want to state my thanks to the council employees who have done an exceptional job in a very difficult set of circumstances,” he said. “The response in so many areas has been very impressive. I've been very proud to once again see their strong commitment to this community.
“The staff have seen a huge increase in workload while having to deal with childcare issues and to work in different ways. A number of the teams have also been affected by colleagues having to take time off and self-isolate as they or members of their household have become ill or exhibited symptoms of covid-19.
“The housing team are all working from home and I was interested to learn how effective that is. They hold regular conference calls and are in constant contact in case any issues arise. They are dealing with residents who find themselves in very difficult circumstances and trying to find solutions is not easy.
“The waste and recycling team have been grateful for the public support and the drawings received from residents have been displayed in their vehicles or on the Depot walls”.
“We have excellent staff, who despite the current situation confronting the borough are coping and are providing an excellent service to residents”.
