The people of Pateley Bridge and Bewerley have been recognised for their selfless contribution to the community during the covid pandemic.

Plaques have been unveiled within both of the parishes that make up the town council serving the area.

The unveilings were carried out by the Mayor and Mayoress of Pateley Bridge, Cllr Mike and Dr Janet Holt and the chair of Bewerley Parish Council, Cllr Graham Spooner.

The wording on the plaques says that each council: ‘Acknowledges and thanks the volunteers, shopkeepers and parishioners who have all contributed so much to the town during the covid-19 pandemic.’

Cllr Holt said

“This has been a great opportunity to make people aware that our town is governed by two councils, and how those councils work together for the benefit of the whole community, the local businesses and of course our all-important visitors.

The Pateley Bridge plaque. Photo: Cllr Stanley Lumley

He added:

“We are privileged to live in this amazing area and although everybody in this country has, to a greater or lesser extent, been affected by covid we have been incredibly lucky.

“We have an amazing community which, over these last 18 months has pulled together to help their neighbours, relatives and friends to cope with the personal issues that have occurred during this time.

“Both councils appreciate how our community has worked selflessly to help during this crisis and the plaques will act as a long-standing reminder of both councils’ gratitude, and they will also hopefully remind everyone how monumentally life-changing this pandemic been.”

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The purchase and erection of the plaques came after Pateley Bridge Town Council was approached by many people recommending that individuals should be recognised for their efforts during the pandemic.

While it was not possible to recognise each individual, because of the large number involved in voluntary activities and service that helped others, it was agreed that the plaques would be a poignant way of marking the collective community effort.