Melksham councillors paid tribute to the army of volunteers who supported residents, and continue to do so, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at last week’s extraordinary council meeting, mayor, Cllr Pat Aves, led tributes to the volunteers, sentiments echoed unanimously by councillors.

She said: “It was important to be able to allocate a significant amount of time to this item and allow councillors opportunity to pay their own personal tributes to the incredible efforts of those who volunteered through Melksham Community Response, to support those needing assistance in our communities.

“Also, to thank and acknowledge those who worked independently, often supporting neighbours, on a street by street basis.”

The work of Cllr Jon Hubbard in setting up the community response was also acknowledged, as was his leadership of the operation throughout lockdown.

Leader of the Town Council, Cllr Vanessa Fiorelli also noted the work of the both Melksham Council and Melksham Without’s staff working ‘thousands of additional hours, on an entirely voluntary basis, seven days a week’ matching volunteers with those in need.