Rick and Nicola Stephens have stopped issuing parking tickets – and are delivering vital supplies to at-risk households instead.
The couple, who both work as parking enforcement officers for Highland Council, are now using their van to take food and medicine to housebound residents in Lochaber.
Rick, 53, moved from Denver, in Colorado, USA, to Inverness more than three years ago to be with Nicola, 47.
Following three years patrolling the streets of the Highland capital, the couple moved 66 miles west to Fort William to take up the role of the town’s parking enforcement officers.
When the Covid-19 crisis hit, the pair swapped writing parking tickets to using their council van to retrieve and deliver vital food and medical supplies to housebound residents in Lochaber, as part of a council-led effort.
Rick said: “As individuals we want to very much be part of the community we live in and will do our very best to help people.”
His wife Nicola added: “This is a very difficult time for everyone.
“We are delighted to have a role in looking after the needs of people and will carry on as long as is necessary.
“One lady we delivered to said when she recognised us ‘you’re just the ticket’.”
During the lockdown, households in Lochaber have placed signs in their windows to indicate their well-being – with a green thumbs up meaning they are safe and a red thumbs down signalling an appeal for help or assistance.
Rick said the general lack of demand for aid was testament to the community’s resilience.
“It hasn’t been as busy as I expected it to be,” he said.
“Everyone is helping each other and that really says a lot. It’s neighbours helping neighbours and colleagues helping colleagues.
“Covid-19 has directly affected people we know. They have had people leaving food at their gate and countless offers to go and do their shopping.
“If one of us was to become infected then I feel confident there would be people that would help.”
The pair have been supporting one of 10 community hubs established in the north as part of the Highland Council’s coronavirus resilience strategy.
Council workers – including parking attendants in Skye, Thurso and Wick – have been working with community groups to ensure residents, especially those in the high-risk category, are not without access to food or medication.
Mr Stephens added: “I don’t think people realise how much the council is invested in making sure people have food and can access medication.”
Council leader Margaret Davidson praised the efforts of people across the Highlands.
She said: “It’s fair to say that every element of normal life has been affected in some way by this devastating virus but seeing the ‘can do’ spirit and the dedication demonstrated by our own staff and those from High Life Highland and Eden Court has been extremely heartening.”
