The Mayor of Marlow has released a passionate statement as the country continues to battle the coronavirus.

Mayor Richard Scott, who has lived in Marlow for over 40 years, has told the people of the town to follow the Government’s strict guidelines to defeat the virus and has praised many Marlovians for helping the elderly and vulnerable in the town.

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In his statement, he said: “In the recent edition of the Marlovian, I wrote about activities in the town leading up to Christmas and the exciting events planned for this spring.

“How quickly things have changed!

“We are now faced with major challenges caused by the Covid-19 emergency.

“The town council has therefore taken a number of actions to mitigate the effect on the town.

“In accordance with Government guidelines, the town council office is closed to visitors.

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“Officers are working remotely but all our council services are operating as usual; the only change is that face-to-face meetings are currently suspended.

“You can contact us on 01628 484024 or via email at office@marlow-tc.gov.uk.

“We will keep all residents informed about changes in Government guidance, service information from Buckinghamshire County and Wycombe District Councils and other bodies through regular updates on the town council Facebook page and the town council website – www.marlowtc.gov.uk.

“All your local councillors remain available for residents and their contact details are shown on the town council website.

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“I would like to thank all those who have formed ‘help’ groups for vulnerable residents in many parts of the town.

“Please contact the town council if you require information about a local group.

“Finally, please follow Government guidance about self-isolation, going out of your house and keeping your distance from others.

“Doing this will reduce the chance of your contracting or spreading this world-wide virus, so that we can return to a normal, but, I suspect, somewhat different world as soon as possible.

“Please keep safe and I look forward to seeing you at events in the town later in the year.”

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At the time of publication, there have been 59 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Buckinghamshire.

Globally, there have been 21, 577 deaths.

To see the latest coronavirus figures, click here.