Calder Valley mayors share their hopes for 2021

Mayor of Todmorden Coun Ruth Coleman-Taylor has praised residents for their resilience during 2020.

She said: “Last year brought unprecedented and extraordinary changes to communities around the world. In Todmorden our resilient and supportive community rose to the challenge of the pandemic quickly, innovatively and with immense kindness to create the social and practical infrastructure needed to carry us through the most difficult times.

“Whether checking on neighbours, making masks, delivering food, bringing entertainment to our streets, or providing counsel, comfort and care, the people of Todmorden stepped up and helped.

“As we enter 2021, the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine offers a great deal of hope but many of us will continue to face challenges and I am confident that people within our community will continue to provide support to those that need it.”

Mayor of Hebden Royd Coun Val Stevens shared what support the town council has offered during the pandemic:

She said: “One thing that 2020 has taught us is that happiness is not about what we have but who we share our lives with and love. We all wish that the crisis will end soon but in the meantime I hope that the resilience and good will that the Calder Valley has in abundance will endure until it does.

“The town council, along with other local authorities, has supported local initiatives to help people through the pandemic. We plan to support youth provision, green initiatives and extra counselling and advice services.

"We are proud to have been accepted into the Age Friendly Network UK and we are looking at ways to further reinvigorate the area after the pandemic ends.”