Express & Star

Councillor steps in to offer IT support for older residents

A councillor has been helping older people in need of IT support to stay in touch with their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic

Published
Last updated
Councillor Jonathan Price And Geoffrey White From Sustainability Matters In Stafford Borough

Staffordshire county councillor Jonathan Price runs Stafford Computing as his day job.

But like many shops across the country the Eastgate Street premises closed to customers this week as part of measures to delay Covid-19’s spread.

Councillor Price has pledged to continue offering IT support however to residents who experience any IT issues while they are staying at home.

His work this week has included fixing computers and laptops for older customers to help them stay connected while they are advised by Government to remain at home during the next few weeks.

Many workers are now doing their jobs from home, using computing equipment, while family members and friends of all ages are keeping in contact with one another online, through video calls, while they are unable to visit in person.

Any elderly residents who need assistance with their computer or laptop while they are unable to leave home are welcome to contact Councillor Price on 07792 024858.

He also stepped in to help an environmental group present a document to the borough council to help with its climate change strategy.

Sustainability Matters in Stafford Borough had hoped to present the copy of Zero Carbon Britain – Rising to the Climate Emergency to the Mayor, Gareth Jones, and council officer Tracy Redpath.

But due to precautions being taken to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 the pair were unable to attend the presentation of the report, which is from the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth.

Instead the presentation was made to Jonathan Price, the borough authority’s cabinet member for environment, at the shop he runs.

Sustainability Matters spokesperson Geoffrey White said: “We present a copy of ‘Zero Carbon Britain – Rising to the Climate Emergency’ to be given to The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Gareth Jones.

“It models a technically robust endpoint where we have achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions – let’s call this ‘zero carbon‘.

"CAT’s work clearly demonstrates that we already have the tools and technology needed to efficiently power the UK with 100 per cent renewable energy, to feed ourselves sustainably, and so to play our part in leaving a safe and habitable climate for our children and future generations.

“The new report is available to the council as this copy and also as a free download from CAT’s website. And it is a timely asset to use during the process of developing the Borough’s Climate Change Strategy. “