A North East local authority has shown its gratitude to hardworking NHS staff during the Coronavirus crisis, by creating two new roadside displays.
Members of Durham County Council’s Clean and Green Team have planted a colourful tribute, in a prominent position on Sniperley Roundabout, near the University Hospital of North Durham, using surplus flowers from their winter stock which would otherwise have been destined for composting, and spare decorative stones.
Staff followed social distancing guidelines, staying two metres apart, to prepare a colourful rainbow of primulas, surrounding the letters NHS written in white stones.
The team has also created a second display to thank the NHS, using grey and white stones, at Bob Hardisty Drive in Bishop Auckland, a main road which links Bishop Auckland Hospital to residential areas of the town, and close to a local medical centre and pharmacy.
Graham Cozens, Clean and Green Team Leader, designed the displays. Graham said: “The two displays were a positive way to use up the spare flowers and decorative stones we already had available. Everyone in the county really values the hard work and dedication of NHS staff, and this seemed like a great way to say thank you. We know that the gesture was appreciated as passing ambulance crews were sounding their horns whilst our teams were creating the displays.”
Oliver Sherratt, the council’s Head of Environment, said: “Our staff were keen to create the displays to acknowledge the excellent work done in all areas of the NHS at all times, but especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“As well as showing our support for the amazing key workers, the displays are also helping to spread some cheer locally and we’ve received some lovely feedback from those residents who are still travelling for essential purposes, whose journeys the flowers brighten.”
