Mail Weekly Column: 03 April 2021
As I write this in the run-up to Easter, it feels as if the world is slowly returning to life. Daffodils are everywhere and the days are getting longer and brighter. All of this coincides with us being able to spring back to life ourselves as the rate of the virus continues to drop, allowing us to enjoy the first easing of restrictions after lockdown. In Barrow there has been a 34% drop in new cases, with a 16% drop in South Lakes. This bodes well.
The two very balmy days we had soon after that first easing on 29 March were a real bonus. It was lovely to see more people outside, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone in enjoying catching up with friends for the first time in a long time.
It was equally lovely to get a letter from the Health Secretary complimenting Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network for its excellent performance in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine locally. They have simply done an outstanding job in being one of the best performing networks in England for delivering vaccines ahead of time to those most vulnerable to the virus. It is testament to Dr Arun and her team working flat out, as well as the legion of volunteers – not least the 3 Rotary Clubs – that they have achieved this. The other Primary Care Networks that serve Furness are also doing exceptionally well. They all deserve our heartfelt thanks. In national terms, it is amazing that 50% of all adults in the UK now have antibodies against the virus. This supports the case for us being on course for relaxing restrictions further on 12 April, as planned. I am sure that we are all looking forward to that.
Campaigning has begun in earnest for the local elections that will be held on 6 May across South Lakes, Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria County Council and for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner. This is rather a different election from the one we might have expected, because of the pending local government reforms – with only by-elections where vacancies exist, and the Police and Crime Commissioner election, rather than across the board. It is still great to get out and meet people, though – obviously in a Covid-secure way – and see what residents of Hindpool, Roosecote, Ulverston West and Furness Peninsula want from their successful candidate. Although it’s early days, from the feedback we’ve been getting so far, people seem more enthusiastic about these elections than usual. I hope that this will lead to a high turnout – do please use your vote. The team and I look forward to darkening your doorstep sometime soon!
