WILTSHIRE’S cabinet member for public health Laura Mayes has called on all parish and town councils to lead the way to help the elderly and vulnerable in their community.

She said that Wiltshire Council was concentrating on the people identified by the NHS as being most at risk and was distributing food parcels from a new wellbeing hub set up in Salisbury.

She praised voluntary groups that have sprung up across the county to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and other urgent errands.

She said: “Some town councils such as Devizes are really ahead of the curve and doing a fantastic job but others are a bit behind. We have made it clear that we need them to be at the centre of all of this.

“Wiltshire Council has set up a hub at Five Lanes Leisure Centre in Salisbury and Government food parcels have started to arrive for those identified as being most at risk and told not to go out even to shop.

“Many of these people will have family and friends to help them but we are there for those who have no-one to help.”

In Devizes the town hall has become the hub for Devizes COVID19 Support but in Chippenham voluntary groups are being left to go it alone.

The town council has closed its doors but is available by telephone which is being answered by staff working from home.

A spokesman said: “We are not actively involved as a council in supplying support but we have a lot of advice on our website which signposts people to Wiltshire Council and other groups.”

It has links to a Wiltshire Council directory of support groups and information about other help available.

Leading the way is the Chippenham Neighbourhood Corona Help Group. It has a Facebook page and says: “We are place to request or offer help to those in need in the Chippenham area.

“If you are or know anyone vulnerable who requires any help at all with shopping, essential medicines or even a phone call post it on here.”

Chippenham Link is also still operational. A spokesman said: “It is business, almost, as usual during the current corona virus situation.

“Many of our 21 volunteer drivers fall into the 70+ plus age group and consequently must observe the social distancing regulations and have had to reluctantly remove themselves from the rota.

“In order to make the best use of our remaining drivers, co-ordinators, committee members and additional local temporary volunteers Chippenham Link Transport is offering to collect prescription’s and groceries as an additional service.

“This is part of the Corona Virus Support Community Network for those who are 70+, vulnerable, living alone, self-isolating or need support. Just call 01249 461881.”

In Calne a number of Facebook groups have also sprung up to help including Calne Town Dinners and Calne Help In The Community.

A spokesman for Calne Town Dinners said: “I just want to thank the lovely people in the group who are helping cook meals at this very worrying time. All your help is very much appreciated and possibly lifesaving.”

Malmesbury Town Council is working in partnership with the charity HEALS to provide co-ordinated volunteer activity to support the local community. Ring 01666 815888 from 8am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm at weekends.

Wiltshire Council’s wellbeing hub is on 0300 003 4576 from 10am-4pm Monday to Sunday or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk