THE council leader in the Wee County has paid tribute to hard working staff who are ensuring services continue the best they can during the coronavirus lockdown.

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, has paid tribute to the hard working staff at the local authority, who have been "putting in a great effort" to adapt and ensure services continue.

Their priority, in particular, has been to make sure the needs of the most vulnerable in the community are met.

Cllr Forson said: "They genuinely have been doing a fantastic job, they have been working in partnership with voluntary organisations.

"It's been going really well, it's been difficult, but it's been going as well as it could be."

Enhancing partnership working has been on the agenda for some time as the council looks to transform its services.

And it appears the current crisis has brought partners even closer together, something they can build on in the future.

The council leader added: "It's been making a big difference, it's – I think – showing what can be done when there's a lot more partnership working and it's certainly something I'd like to see us continue as we move forward."

She also paid tribute to locals, the vast majority of whom have been "doing their best" to stick to the measures, even if it has not been easy.

This has earlier been underscored by statements from local police chiefs who thanked the public for staying home.

As reported earlier, education staff in the Wee County have been driving forward digital innovations to keep learning going during lockdown.

Cllr Forson said: "In my opinion the education service has done a stand-out job.

"They've really been embracing the challenge, coming up with innovative work to ensure as many people as possible are still continuing their learning at a pace that suits them."

Digital technologies are playing an important part during lockdown and the council leader added: "There's been an acknowledgement that a lot of families don't have access to either a laptop or to the internet.

"So, there's been work ongoing to procure laptops and also dongles to ensure our young people can get on and access the online learning opportunities that are there."

Many school communities and staff have also come together to support healthcare staff during the pandemic, as reported elsewhere in the Advertiser.

The council leader said: "It's been a fantastic effort, it's just an example of people coming together to try and support our key workers in the best way possible.

"Our young people in schools are doing a great job with that as well."

And for the political leader, the biggest challenge has been keeping on top of what is a fast-moving situation.

She said: "You can get information and make a decision one day and the next day things have completely changed.

"It's [about] keeping on top of everything, but also I suppose, making sure our officers feel supported and empowered to make decisions."