Last weekend saw Lancashire moved into the “very high” Covid alert level by government. This means that there are now significant additional restrictions on people and businesses across the entire area. Pubs and bars are now closed and residents are only allowed to socialise with people they live with or those in their social bubble in any indoor setting or private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues. Licensed clubs, adult gaming centres, bingo halls, casinos, betting shops and children’s soft play centres must also close. Gyms and leisure centres remain open.
The measures are accompanied by a support package for Lancashire to help minimise the impact on Lancashire’s businesses and residents.
These new restrictions will affect us all, but are necessary as rates of infections and hospitalisations continue to rise.
We know these are difficult times, but we continue to ask the community of Hyndburn to isolate if you have been asked to by the NHS through its Test and Trace service. Staying at home for two weeks can be difficult in many ways but there are support measures in place to make it easier:
If the NHS instructs you to isolate and you cannot work from home and will lose pay as a result, you may be entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 per working or self-employed adult in the household. More details regarding the new restrictions and support available are at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/coronavirus
If you need additional support, get in touch with the Hyndburn Hub on 01254 388 111 or enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk
Some positive news this week as we celebrate the recognition given to some of Hyndburn’s finest in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
LANCASHIRE County Councillor Bernard Dawson received an MBE for public services. He has served on the county council since 2013 and before this was a Hyndburn councillor for Peel (and later Huncoat) ward since 1979. This included a year as Mayor in 1999/2000. In 2018, he was made an Honorary Freeman of the borough of Hyndburn, in recognition of his services to the area.
Amanda Melton, Principal and Chief Executive of Accrington & Rossendale College, has been awarded a CBE. Amanda makes a valuable contribution to our area through her leadership in education and skills, and is also a Director at both the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, two local Police officers were recognised for their exceptional service. Former Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan, 53, was given an MBE, with former Detective Sup Paul Withers receiving a Queen’s Police Medal. We’d like to congratulate all the award recipients and say how proud we are of you.