All public meetings organised by Dudley Council have been cancelled as the authority steps up work to delay the coronavirus.

The council took the decision yesterday in the light of “significant steps to protect residents and council staff”. The council will look at the issue again in May.

The Mayor’s Civic Awards, due to take place on March 27th, has also been postponed. It has now been scheduled for July 31st but the council is keeping a close eye on national guidance for any developments.

A small number of statutory and regulatory meetings may need to go ahead but staff will be reminded about practical steps they can take to limit risks. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"These are challenging times and we have to do all we can to keep people safe. I want to reassure people that we are taking significant steps to protect residents and our staff – one of the key things we can do is limit any meetings which are not absolutely necessary at this point in time.

"The business of the council will carry on as normal as possible, with only essential face to face meetings taking place where cancelling them is unavoidable.”

People can keep up to date with the latest support and information on dealing with the coronavirus by visiting dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus.