The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire, Russell George, has postponed all face-to-face advice surgeries but will continue to provide advice and support to residents by email or telephone throughout this Covid-19 (Coronavirus) epidemic.
Mr George was scheduled to join the County Councillor for Llanfyllin, Peter Lewis, County Councillor for Meifod, Jonathan Wilkinson, and County Councillor for Llansantffraid, Gwynfor Thomas, on Friday 27th March in their respective areas for joint advice surgeries at Cain Valley Hotel in Llanfyllin, Meifod Village Hall and Llansantffraid Football Club.
Following advice on social distancing, Mr George is now postponing face-to-face advice surgeries but he, Craig Williams MP and their County Council colleagues will still provide advice and support to constituents across Montgomeryshire.
Mr George will now be available all day in his office on Friday 27th March to speak with people over the telephone. His office number is 01686 610887. He is also encouraging people to telephone any time during office hours to arrange a suitable call back telephone appointment.
Mr George said:
"My colleagues and I are deeply disappointed that we have had to take the regrettable decision to cancel face-to-face advice surgeries with our constituents.
"We believe that making ourselves available to speak to residents face-to-face is an important part of our job but due to the UK Government's social distancing advice, we feel that it is safer for residents if we continue to provide support and advice via telephone and email.
“I will be available next to my office phone on Friday 27th March for people who just want to telephone and raise issues or ask questions on areas they believe I can help with. But I’m happy to speak with people throughout the week, and I would encourage people to telephone, and if I’m not available, my office team can arrange a call back time that suits.
"The Coronavirus outbreak is arguably the greatest peacetime threat which the United Kingdom has faced. As such, it requires an equal and appropriate response to provide the necessary support to shield us all from the worst effects of this epidemic.
"This is a fast moving and developing situation and I appreciate the concern and worry which this will be causing for all residents and businesses here in Montgomeryshire. While we are going through these uncertain times, I will be issuing a more regular update with relevant information so if you don't currently receive my email updates and would like to do so, please email me at [email protected]
"Craig Williams MP and I, and our office teams will be focussing our efforts on supporting people with health related matters, business concerns and supporting the most vulnerable people in society.
"If you are aware of an elderly or vulnerable person, please do safely pass on our telephone numbers, and let them know that we are happy to support them as much as we can with any concerns which they have. We can be contacted on the following telephone numbers (Russell George AM – 01686 610887; Craig Williams MP – 01938 552315). Businesses who are seeking advice and support can also contact the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 603000.
"I would like to wish all residents and businesses well throughout this difficult time and hope everyone remains safe and healthy."
Current Advice to the Public & Information Links
Public Health Wales - https://phw.nhs.wales.coronavirus
Welsh Government - https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid19
Powys County Council - Coronavirus - https://en.powys.gov.uk/coronavirus
Powys Teaching Health Board - http://www.powysthb.wales.nhs.uk/coronavirus
