Staff from Hertsmere Borough Council are among those to be recognised for their contribution to maintaining essential services during the pandemic.

As part of the nationwide NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers' Day, the street scene team were presented with a certificate of grateful recognition by the council’s managing director, Sajida Bijle, and executive director, Peter Geraghty, at their depot in Potters Bar.

The crew, which includes all those who are based in and out of the depot, worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to maintain waste collections, clean roads, empty litter bins, collect fly-tips, keep parks clean and safe, and treat infestations.

Meanwhile in Borehamwood, Hertsmere's mayor Anne Swerling was joined by Cllr Jeremy Newmark and representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire University Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to raise a flag outside the civic offices.

Borehamwood Times: Honouring the NHS outside the council offices in Borehamwood today. Credit: Hertsmere Borough CouncilHonouring the NHS outside the council offices in Borehamwood today. Credit: Hertsmere Borough Council

Cllr Swerling said: "NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day is an important way of recognising the service and sacrifice made by all those on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the NHS, social care and our own council staff.

"It’s also a way of remembering the sense of togetherness, support and love which our communities in Hertsmere demonstrated during the bleakest points of the pandemic.

"As we begin to move towards a more normal way of life, we must never forget those who lost their lives looking after us and we must continue to do all we can to minimise the risk of infection and stay safe."

Borehamwood Times: Alex Holloway receives a certificate on behalf of the street scene teamAlex Holloway receives a certificate on behalf of the street scene team

Alex Holloway, the council’s street scene services manager, said: "Our team have worked tirelessly over the past 16 months to continue delivering services to our residents and customers within Hertsmere.

"They have faced the same personal challenges as many have during the pandemic whilst attending work and carrying out their duties to the best of their abilities.

"The resilience and determination they have shown is unquestionable and testament to their individual characters."

At 8pm (Monday), the public are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps or in their gardens and applaud the efforts of the NHS and all key workers in a nationwide 'Clapping Our Heroes' event.