THE community of Fordingbridge has been praised for its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both the mayor of Fordingbridge, Councillor Paul Anstey and Hampshire County councillor Edward Heron spoke of the work being done by voluntary groups locally during a virtual meeting of Fordingbridge Town Council held last Wednesday (May 6).

Councillor Paul Anstey said: “The community spirit and the groups that have been set up over these times is a true reflection of the people we have in Fordingbridge. It is absolutely amazing.”

Various community groups have been set up to help residents across the district, including Fordingbridge In Need, who have been delivering food and prescriptions and providing online social activities during the lockdown.

Councillor Edward Heron said: “First of all my thanks to all the community groups that have sprung up to help residents at this very difficult time. I’m thinking particularly here the Fordingbridge in Need group.

“They have done a fantastic job of helping those who haven’t been able to rely on family and neighbours.”

He told the meeting that the county council had been leading on the local resilience forum as well as running the Hampshire Shielding Hub and a helpline which can be reached on 0333 3704000.

The praise for the community was also echoed by New Forest District Councillor Ann Bellows. She also said the district council’s shielding hub had had 709 referrals, which she said was the “highest” in Hampshire.

  • Fordingbridge Town Council has put up a banner to show its appreciation for NHS staff, key works and local businesses to thank them for all their hard work during the pandemic.