The leader of the council and the opposition leader will meet today to discuss how Medway residents will be helped during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Labour leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple, yesterday wrote to the leader of the council Cllr Alan Jarrett calling for "proactive and decisive action".

Both men will sit together this afternoon after Cllr Maple issued a range of topics he felt needed urgent consideration.

The council previously said it had "robust business continuity plans in place" without listing specific details. But last evening, it was announced major events were cancelled including Sweeps Festival and Dickens Festival as the council also revealed Chatham's two theatres will also close until the end of June.

James Williams, the council's director of public health, said the council will work in trying to stop the virus spreading and protect the Towns' most vulnerable, adding: "We will continue to follow government advice and our focus remains on continuing to provide the same high quality services to Medway residents as we do each day."

But Cllr Maple called on his opposite number to meet with him to outline and discuss how the authority is aiming to reduce the impact and protect residents.

In a letter sent to the Conservative leader, Cllr Maple said: "This issue is much more important than party politics and Labour are eager to work collectively in order to support and protect Medway residents.

"The current uncertainty means that Medway residents and businesses are rightly concerned about their health and livelihoods, therefore we would like to discuss the potential for some proactive and decisive action from Medway Council."

He said there was a need for "reassessment of outstanding council tax and business rates" adding the council needed to help volunteer efforts to help communities and collaborate with residents, voluntary groups and other public bodies like the NHS.

Cllr Maple has listed a range of other areas he wishes to talk about with the Conservatives – who run the council.

He had called for "early and decisive decisions" relating to events and festivals due to be held in the coming months ahead of the council's announcement this evening.

The opposition leader is also seeking assurances for children with special education needs, school closures, NHS resource and staffing, caring for the elderly and also protecting them from scams.

In the letter, Cllr Maple added he wanted to know more about "plans to keep doorstep refuse collection and other vital front line services functioning if significant numbers of staff are off sick or self-isolating".

"This issue is much more important than party politics and Labour are eager to work collectively to support and protect Medway residents"

The council is also being demanded to reveal plans about how it will manage loss of income and revenue as a result of council-run facilities that bring in money for the authority to fund its services.

Cllr Maple said there needed to be information about car parks, leisure centres and theatres losing money if they are forced to close or are not visited as much.

Councillors should be given guidance on how to advise residents and is asking for daily briefings on current actions to ensure calm among residents, Cllr Maple said.

Tackling fake news and ensuring residents at risk of isolation or those with limited literacy skills who need extra support are kept in the loop.

The Conservative group at Medway Council has been asked to respond to Cllr Maple's letter.

Information will be published via the council's social media channels and website for service updates and information.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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