TWO LOCAL politicians are determined to keep in touch with constituents during the Coronavirus crisis.
Both Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell and Dumfriesshire Constituency MSP Oliver Mundell plan to hold regular telephone surgeries.
Whilst their respective constituency offices in Moffat and Lockerbie will observe official social distancing advice by being closed to the public, it will be almost business as usual for the father and son and their team, who will be largely home-based.
David said: "Safeguarding public health and trying to control the spread of Covid-19 has got to be paramount in the weeks and months ahead.
"We are only at the start of this journey and the impact of the very necessary steps being taken by the Government, NHS and other agencies can be challenging for local people and businesses.
"It is important for me to keep an open dialogue with constituents and the telephone surgeries seem an effective starting point. I will do my best to assist and also signpost other agencies, which can offer specialist support."
David added that it was essential going forward, in order to protect vulnerable people, that everyone took Government advice in order to slow the spread of the virus -- and save lives.
Oliver said: "This will be a very difficult period but the people of our area are resilient and have come through other major challenges before -- whilst looking out for the welfare of others facing difficulties.
"During the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the area, which, whilst not directly affecting human health, showed how communities rallied round to help stop the spread of a serious viral disease.
"The key message, going forward, is that we must closely follow Government advice to slow the spread of this virus -- and save lives."
Constituents can contact David and Oliver through email, their websites or by leaving messages on their office voicemail services.