IT has been heart-breaking to watch the continuing news coverage of last week’s Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in London.

To see such devastation and families torn apart really brings it home – as all the recent tragedies have – how precious life is.

Yet amidst all the sorrow, once again, there is resounding community spirit. People going out of their way to offer shelter, clothing, food and water to those in need is heart-warming to see, yet nothing more than I would expect from communities across the country.

Although we don’t have any tower blocks locally, many people in Copeland have raised some concern about our own social housing residents in light of what happened in London.

Home Group, which provides the social housing in the borough, has reassured residents that, in terms of the external insulation used, it is installed by fixing insulated panels to brickwork then skimming over them with render. It adds, crucially, that both the insulated panels and the render are fire resistant.

On south Copeland matters, I was delighted to note that Millom’s eateries are among our borough’s most hygienic. Of the 64 premises registered in Millom, including schools, pubs, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, shops – basically anywhere that prepares and sells food – almost 97 per cent are rated at three, four or the maximum five with regards their hygiene.

That’s a fantastic achievement for the town, and credit to the business owners and staff for consistently high standards. They should be proud that Millom is such a clean and safe place to eat out.

It’s also testament to the good work of our council’s environmental health team who work so closely with businesses, both in advance of their opening and during their operation, to ensure high standards.

And speaking of high standards, our seasonal beach cleaners are hard at work across the borough. Paul Barnes has responsibility for Haverigg and Silecroft and Neil Davidson for Seascale and St Bees. Their litter-picking role also extends into the areas of the villages themselves that border the beaches, and I know their hard work is much appreciated by the communities they serve.

We also have a host of additional vacancies at Copeland Council. Copeland is a wonderful place to live and work – and there’s exciting times on the horizon for the council - and I’d encourage people to consider applying for a position with us. Visit http://sector1.net/.

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @CopelandMayor

MIKE STARKIE

Mayor of Copeland