DESPITE finding ourselves, worldwide, in such an unprecedented vulnerable position, I really do believe that there is an upside to any bad event.

Setting aside the selfish people who have been swarming like a plague of locusts clearing out our supermarket shelves and refusing to keep their social distance, what has been so inspiring during the last few weeks is the kindness and generosity of others.

At a time when for the last few years we have seemed to be a divided society, the devastating effects of Covid-19 has brought about real community spirit and collective responsibility.

In recent weeks my inbox has been filled with offers of support and assistance from local residents eager to help in a variety of ways, including one from someone with a military background in disaster management.

Such response, and the individual acts of compassion I have witnessed, is truly heart-warming and restores my faith in human nature.

As distressing as coronavirus is, it has provided us with the opportunity to take a step back and focus on the things that really matter in life.

With countless meetings and work commitments on hold for the foreseeable future I shall be using the rare luxury of time to take stock and re-evaluate my own priorities, which can only be a good thing.

It is easy to become embroiled in the blame game, but we are where we are and those of us in a position to help, in any way, have a moral obligation to be pro-active in doing so.

LINDA PIGGOTT-VIJEH

Somerset County Councillor