Over the last two weeks Hyndburn has enjoyed 10 festive lights switch-ons, including a wonderful event that saw our Victorian Market Hall alive with families and friends. It was wonderful to see this after yet another difficult year and I am pleased these events could go ahead. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising them, especially the volunteers and councillors who have done so in their free time.

Recently new laws have been introduced which require everyone, unless they are exempt, to wear a face covering inside shops and on public transport. I support this measure and thank our community for making this small sacrifice in order to keep others safe. Please do observe these rules to help our local businesses over the coming months.

As I am sure people are aware these rules are now in place due to the Omicron Covid-19 variant. The impacts of this variant are currently unknown and so we must continue to be cautious. I am pleased that our vaccination rate in Hyndburn shows over 80% of people eligible have had at least one dose, hopefully we can get this number even higher. Right now our fantastic NHS services are working their way down the list offering people their third booster dose of the jab and I urge everyone to please say yes when it is offered to them.

Speaking to residents and our local community organisations it has been mentioned some people may be struggling to get to their appointment or are maybe feeling nervous. If you have already had your vaccination, but know someone who has not, please offer to support them and help them. By working together in this way and looking after each other we can have a safer Christmas here in Hyndburn.

As we enter the winter months, I would also like to remind everyone that support is always available, you just need to ask. Our Hyndburn Hub is open and if you need help of any kind, or you know someone who does, do not hesitate to get in touch with the team. You can email at enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk or call 01254 388 111