The mayor of Barmouth has written an open letter to the town thanking people for their support and sacrifice during the coronavirus crisis.

In his letter, Barmouth Mayor Cllr Phil Hill said he appreciates the stress and damage the lockdown is causing people but is sure the town will bounce back.

Cllr Hill writes: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank everybody in our town that has played their part in keeping our residents safe. Without the support and sacrifice of us all, one can only imagine what dilemma our town may be in.

“As a town council, we are playing our part in trying to keep certain aspects of everyday life as normal as possible and will continue to serve our community to the best of our ability.

“As a local businessman, I fully appreciate the stress and damage this virus has caused to our business community and the impact it has made to our livelihoods.

“Life in Barmouth as we know it has changed dramatically. The eerie tranquillity of the high street and the unnatural peace and quiet of the harbour where even the seagulls have taken a vow of silence.

“Our town maybe unusually quiet on the outside at the moment but the heart of it still beats loudly.

“We will bounce back from this better, stronger and very much wiser, perhaps a bit poorer but as a community we have shown what can be achieved with spirit and care.

“I cannot predict what the next few months hold for us all but having witnessed the way we have coped up to now, I have huge confidence that we will come out the other end safe and sound.

“Of course, this can only be achieved by fully adhering to the government’s strict guidelines. I strongly advise we continue to carry one regardless of the inconvenience they may cause.

“A special thanks must be given to the four lads, Glyn Jones (harbourmaster), Damian Williams (Caerddaniel Caravan Park), Scott Moncrieff and Gwyn Jones (ex North Wales police officer), who have given their time to deliver prescriptions in their own vehicles to the local community for free, even as far as Harlech. Da iawn.

“Thanks must also go to our town clerk, Sue Phillips, who has been collating all the information sent to her by mobile enabling her to pass this on to the chemist.

“This weekend should have been the start of hopefully another busy season for the town, instead it will be a time of concern for us all as we wonder if anybody from away enters our town.

“I have been assured by North Wales Police that Barmouth is one of the prioritised areas on the police patron plan and as long as there are local patrols available, there will be regular presence and visibility.”