Tributes to the hard work of the NHS have been painted on roads across County Durham to show gratitude to frontline workers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Durham County Council has been installing rainbows and messages of thanks on the county’s roads to show support to dedicated NHS workers who are working through the pandemic.
The rainbows have been painted across the county on main roads in Durham City, Consett, Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Seaham, Peterlee, Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.
Working over the bank holiday weekend, the paintings were installed by the council at times when roads were quiet and this could be done safely. The locations of the temporary markings were determined by the council’s traffic team who assessed the safest areas for the messages to be placed before installing them.
The roads have been decorated in the hope that those working on the frontline will see the messages and feel supported by their community as they continue to help fight the virus.
Cllr Lucy Hovvels MBE, Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “NHS staff work incredibly hard at all times to provide care and support for all of us and have continued to be dedicated to their work despite the difficulties of the coronavirus.
“These positive messages are a great way to give frontline workers a boost and let them know their work is greatly appreciated as they continue to put themselves forward in fighting the spread of the virus.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “As a council we wanted to make sure that NHS workers received the county’s messages of gratitude and support loud and clear.
“Installing these messages on the county’s main roads ensures that our thanks and encouragement will reach as many frontline staff as possible as they continue to do incredible work, especially during this pandemic.”
