DUDLEY Council bosses are calling on businesses in the borough to donate or supply much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE) to help boost supplies for frontline workers.

The call comes as the lack of PPE supplies across the country continues to put frontline workers at risk of contracting Covid-19.

Council chiefs have pleaded for businesses which are temporarily closed to donate the vital equipment which they are unable to use.

Any donated equipment will be used to boost existing supplies and ensure frontline workers including care staff, who work with the most vulnerable including children and elderly residents, have the protection they need to do their jobs safely and protected against the virus.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "We’ve seen some amazing examples of businesses across the country donating equipment or looking at innovative ways to make the items, which are in such high demand.

"Locally, we’ve already had contact from some local businesses and we are incredibly grateful for this but we are appealing to others to offer help in any way they can.

"We need to boost our supplies to make sure we can protect our staff as they courageously continue to do all they can to support our most vulnerable residents."

The full list of items needed includes:

Fluid repellent disposable gowns – EN13795

Nitrile non-sterile gloves - EN 374

Plastic aprons – category 1

Eyewear and face protection - EN166

FFP2 and FFP3 masks - EN 149

IIR Surgical masks - EN14683

Items must be within their use by date and must adhere to the relevant standards.

Businesses able to donate can contact the council by calling 01384 814444 or emailing corporate.procurement@dudley.gov.uk.