Coronavirus heroes have been offered free parking by Epping Forest District Council.

Key workers and NHS staff, after registering their vehicle online, can now park for free in all council owned car parks.

Cllr Richard Bassett, chairman of Epping Forest District Council, said: “These are difficult times and we are all facing the challenging consequences of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our daily lives.

“We owe the staff and volunteers of the NHS a massive thank you for their unwavering commitment to the health of our nation and I was proud to stand on my doorstep last Thursday to show my appreciation of their exceptional work.”

Key workers include emergency services staff; local authority officers; community volunteers; frontline transport providers; delivery drivers; and those helping unwell and vulnerable people.

Cllr Bassett added: “These are unprecedented times, but we are witnessing our communities coming together and helping those less able in our district and beyond.

“There are many others in our community who are working daily to ensure we have food on our tables, delivering vital supplies, supporting the vulnerable or just going to the shops for a neighbour.

“These are essential services too, helping to keep us safe at home and I would like to express my personal thanks to each and every one of them for their commitment to getting us all through this difficult time.”

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