Report by Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter Residents can now order a free reusable face mask in the post or pick one up at libraries, town centres […]By Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents can now order a free reusable face mask in the post or pick one up at libraries, town centres and train stations in the borough.

Waltham Forest Council has ordered “tens of thousands” of masks to give to residents and says it has already handed out more than 10,000.

They have also committed to ensuring foodbanks “have food and anything else they need” in the coming months and will launch “a borough wide Christmas present drive” for children.

Council leader Clare Coghill said: “I know that none of us want to go into winter under these restrictions. But the sacrifices we make now will help us return to normal sooner rather than later so Waltham Forest can return to the vibrant borough we all know and love.

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“We are determined to support our most vulnerable residents. That’s why we have ordered tens of thousands of face masks that we are distributing across the borough to anyone who needs one.

“Colleagues have been out and about in town centres and train stations and have already given out over ten thousand masks to make it even easier to follow the advice and stop the spread of the virus sharing masks and information with commuters.”

Residents can order a face mask through the council website, by ringing 0208 496 3000 or picking one up at any of the borough’s main libraries. Teams will also be present in town centres and trains stations to hand them out.

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