LIKE much of the world here in Warrington we are going through unprecedented times during a global pandemic and our second national lockdown.
Like many towns and cities, Warrington has seen infection rates much higher than during the first wave and most of us will now know someone who has been impacted by COVID-19 – and yet a minority still seem intent on ignoring the rules and advice with social media also full of conspiracy theories.
Having covered the outbreak since day one in the local news and also running a business in the town connected to many other local businesses, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact this disease has had on lives and businesses.
The infection rates, while thankfully showing a downward trend are still higher than during the first wave, although a lot more testing is also taking place. Meanwhile, news of a vaccine is also on the horizon, so hopefully, there is light at the end of the tunnel and we can look forward to the Spring with some optimism.
Many small businesses, especially in the hospitality and leisure industry, have again been forced to close after doing so much hard work to create COVID secure premises and while grants are again being made available they do little to replace lost revenue.
Thankfully throughout the pandemic, we have been blessed with an “army” of volunteers across the community helping those most in need and it has been uplifting reporting on the many youngsters who have helped those in need.
I have no doubt Warrington will prevail and come good in the New Year as we thankfully entered the pandemic with a strong economy so hopefully, we will be in a good position to bounce back.
Now as we approach the season of goodwill I call upon all the politicians in our town to put aside their political differences and work together for the good of our community.
I am sure most people enter politics to help make a difference in their local communities and it is important they all work together and pull in the same direction. Having covered local politics for more than four decades it seems to have got more toxic than ever and while we have seen the best of people during the pandemic we have also seen the worst.
Let’s look forward to celebrating Christmas the best we can and move forward into the new year all pulling in the same direction for the good of our town.
