Deputy PCC thanks communities for adhering to lockdown rules

The West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has thanked communities in the West Midlands for their continued adherence to the lockdown rules following the bank holiday weekend and reminded local groups to apply for the Community Initiatives Fund.

Deputy PCC Waheed Saleem has thanked those who celebrated Eid over the weekend for complying with the guidance, not attending places of worship and celebrating the occasion with family and friends virtually.

The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I would like to thank the Muslim community for complying with the government’s guidelines during Eid-ul-Fitr.

“Ramadan has been especially difficult this year, having to do things differently and being further from our friends and family than we would like to be during this time.

“By complying with these rules we can ensure that we defeat the coronavirus and are able to see our loved ones in the near future.”


He added: “I know that today is a special day for the Sikh community in commemorating the death of Guru Arjan.
“Normally people would be attending the Gurdwara on this occasion but it is important that we comply with the government’s guidelines and commemorate this occasion in a safe way.”

The PCC launched the Community Initiatives Fund earlier in the month, a £200,000 pot of funding for community organisations which are helping those affected by COVID-19.

Applications for the first tranche of funding closes on 1^st June 2020.

Deputy PCC Waheed Saleem commented: ““Through local community policing, I want to encourage and support community initiatives and networks that are enterprising. I want to hear from people about how they can provide new solutions to reach the vulnerable, protect them from threats and harm and to help them thrive despite the current restrictions.

“I am looking forward to receiving applications from organisations who are doing an excellent job in supporting the wider community during this global crisis.”