The following article, written by Westminster City Council Leader Rachael Robathan, originally published by themj.co.uk

Up and down the town centres of the country, we felt the tectonic plates move on Saturday as, after four months of being cooped up, people finally got to go out.

Cllrs Rachael Robathan and Tony Devenish visited the Berkeley Hotel last week to thank the staff and management for everything they’ve done to support the community since lockdown began. 

As non-essential retail businesses reopen their doors today, Westminster City Council is promoting a ‘Shop Local’ campaign to boost the local economy.  

Councillor Robathan paid a visit to retailers on Motcomb Street to see how they’re trading safely and to promote the campaign. 

It is unfortunate but inevitable that malevolent actors find new opportunities in Covid-19, to scam vulnerable people who may be thrown off-guard by these exceptional circumstances. Please be aware that it is now even more important than ever to watch out for the techniques used by scammers.

The Mental Health Foundation is hosting Mental Health Week, on the theme of Kindness.

We are all aware of the continuing difficult period that is being experienced by everyone across Westminster. I want to assure you that your local councillors will continue to provide whatever support or advice is needed in the coming weeks.

Many of our local businesses have had to make significant changes in the way they trade during the COVID-19 crisis. We have seen restaurants turn to takeaway and delivery, pubs turning to wine shops and the rise of "farm shops" which sell high-quality local produce.

We are all aware of the continuing difficult period that is being experienced by everyone across Westminster. I want to assure you that your local councillors will continue to provide whatever support or advice is needed in the coming weeks.

This week, the Union Flag will fly outside Westminster City Hall to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday.

The Conservative-controlled Westminster City Council has arranged for the refurbishment of two hundred decommissioned Council laptops. The laptops have been distributed to help vulnerable families hitherto without computers.