BRADFORD South MP Judith Cummins has praised the response of community and voluntary groups in Great Horton Ward to the coronavirus pandemic.

During visits to Scholemoor Beacon Community Centre on Dracup Avenue and the Lidget Green Walking Club, Mrs Cummins thanked staff and volunteers for their ongoing support for the local community during this crisis.

At Scholemoor Beacon Community Centre, she saw first-hand the crucial work it is doing to support vulnerable people in Scholemoor and the surrounding area, as well as delivering food. 

Mrs Cummins then visited Lidget Green Walking Group, to meet with the centre manager Mazhar Elahi and local artist Zareena Bana who runs community art sessions at the Walking Club's base on Lidget Place.

Lidget Green Walking Club was set up to promote the health and wellbeing of the local community, with particular emphasis on the over 50s, and because of the age profile of many of the centre’s users it has not been possible to operate as they have in the past.

At the Lidget Green Walking Club

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

If you live in these areas, you can contact the following organisations for support if needed. Local people are also being encouraged to volunteer with community groups such as these if they can. In Scholemoor and the surrounding area, contact Scholemoor Beacon on 01274 522231. In Lidget Green, contact Lidget Green Walking Club on 07472 253213.

Mrs Cummins said: “There are many excellent community groups in Great Horton Ward who serve the community throughout the year. During this crisis, they are having to adapt in difficult circumstances to help people in need.

"I was very pleased to visit Scholemoor Beacon and Lidget Green Walking Club to see their work first hand and thank them for it. I look forward to visiting other community groups in the Great Horton ward soon and I will continue to do everything I can to support our local community.”

Mazhar Elahi, Lidget Green Walking Club Centre Manager, added: “Our services to older people have had to change from being centre based to an outreach service - we are ringing our community to help them cope with this isolation and providing assistance with whatever they need whether it’s a food delivery or medicines. We are also volunteering with other community groups and are now delivering art activity packs to those who are feeling isolated.”

Sue Moreland, Scholemoor Beacon Centre Manager said: “What a roller coaster we have been on for the last few months.

"I cannot thank the staff enough for the way they have adapted to the changes and new ways of delivering services. We are sad that we no longer have activities at the centre and miss seeing the regulars at exercise classes, the youth sessions and other sessions. However, we are delighted to meet new people and help them out in the current coronavirus emergency.

"We would urge any local people who are affected by a change in the circumstances because of coronavirus to get in touch and hopefully we can help.”