Councillors from all parties in Trafford have united to say a massive thank you to their residents.

Coun Andrew Western, council leader and leader of the Labour group, Coun Nathan Evans, leader of the Conservative group, Coun Geraldine Coggins, leader of the Green group and Coun Jane Brophy, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, have all signed a heartfelt letter sent out to all of the borough’s residents.

The letter said: “We wanted to write as the leaders of the political groups in Trafford as we would like to thank you for the efforts you are all making as we face up to the greatest crisis in our generation.

“As you would rightly expect the four of us have been working closely together in recent weeks to ensure the council is doing all we can to support the local community at this time.

“The kind acts we have seen over the last few weeks – people helping out their elderly neighbours, local businesses doing right by their staff – have truly been amazing, but not surprising as Trafford has always been a place that will rise to the challenge.

“It has been fantastic to see partners coming together to ensure that we can provide for those in need.”

The letter went on to say that the councillors and the authority are aware that the extension to lockdown will be making this harder for some – particularly those who know someone or who have themselves been infected with coronavirus.

It said: “Please know that our thoughts are with you. Many people will have had their lives affected. Please know that if you are affected then there is help available and you should not suffer in silence.”

The leaders encouraged those in need of support to visit the council’s dedicated web page at www.trafford.gov.uk/coronavirus to access a range of help and advice on offer.

The letter concluded: “These are indeed trying times for us. But this is when we most need to stick together and be one home, one street, one community, one Trafford.

“We want to thank you but we also ask you to keep following the restrictions. It is so tempting with the sunny days and lighter evenings to go outside for longer or maybe relax in a park.

“But that will only put more people at risk and make the restrictions last for longer. Please, stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”