2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, a year unlike any other.

Life as we know it changed in March as restaurants, pubs and shops closed, people were unable to see their families and the country went into lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK.

Communities pulled together to help those in need get through this crisis and councils were among those working on the ground to give support to people who needed it - but this did not come without its challenges.

Streets across Britain went quiet as offices were closed and people were asked to work from home.

But like many other councils across the country Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) adapted and found ways to get support to people in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and the surrounding areas.

Since the pandemic began at the beginning of this year SDC has helped to get rough sleepers off the streets, distributed food boxes to those in need and given grants to small businesses to help them get through these challenging times.

And Cllr Duncan McGinty, leader of Sedgemoor District Council, said this work will continue until the pandemic said this work will continue until the pandemic is over as vulnerable people will need support until this difficult period is over.

"Since March 23 – the first lockdown - life as we know it changed dramatically," Cllr McGinty said.

"SDC employs 363 staff (full time and part-time). Our reception may have been closed, but we are still working, carrying on with our daily work as well as tackling the challenges of Covid.

"Within days, all staff were working from home apart from a tiny handful who need fixed equipment on our main offices such as CCTV and Lifeline.

"But, we kept calm and carried on and continued to support our residents.

"As a housing authority, we're keeping a roof over everyone's head, working with Homes in Sedgemoor to support tenants.

"We've got rough sleepers off the streets. We’ve helped our small business with minimal bureaucracy by allocating nearly 2,300 grants, worth a massive £26 million to keep them going.

"As the benefit paying authorities, we're sorted out benefits for those hardest hit; by getting the hardship monies out of the door and processing new claims.

"We’ve distributed food boxes to those who can’t get out. We’ve continued to collect the bins and recycling, keeping the streets clean and tidy.

"We’ve worked seven days a week on a telephone helpline for those worried or confused. We have stepped up to support families.

"We’ve set up virtual meetings, so that proper and transparent democratic meetings can still take place."

The council has done a lot to help people this year but Cllr McGinty said there is still work to be done.

SDC is working with businesses to rebuild the local economy by helping with advice and information about social distancing, providing signs and business support as well as administering various grants to help them keep going.

The council has also employed specialist 'Covid wardens' to make sure residents and businesses are 'Covid safe' and give advice.

They have also got an office based team who are dedicated to keeping up with the latest Covid-19 related guidance, legislation and working practices, responding to queries from businesses and members of the public and providing advice and guidance in relation to new legislation.

"I am very proud of everything that Sedgemoor staff and members had done over the past months to help support those most vulnerable, keep the local economy going, whilst still being affected by the pandemic themselves," Cllr McGinty added.

For more information about Sedgemoor District Council’s response to the coronavirus pandemic visit www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/coronavirus.