Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council:

As we enter the New Year is important to reflect on and recognise the continued hard work and dedication of thousands of people in Hyndburn. It has been an incredibly difficult time for all, but our community has shown its strength, resilience and spirit throughout. To everyone who has supported our Hyndburn Hub, worked at or donated to the foodbanks, helped keep essential services running and to all who have followed guidelines to keep our community safe, thank you on behalf of Hyndburn.

We are starting 2021 with a concerning increase in local rates of infection, plus the added threat of the new covid-19 variant, which evidence currently shows is transmitted more easily. It is vital that we slow this spread and work together to protect our community. Vaccinations are currently being rolled out in Hyndburn, and this is very much the light at the end of the tunnel.

Our primary care services are working to protect our most vulnerable residents as priority and in the coming months the vaccination will then become available to more people. We are urging people to not contact their GP or Primary Care Centre regarding eligibility for vaccination, appointments are by invitation only at this time.

Please remember the virus has not gone away. Following the rules will save lives and reduce the heavy burden on our NHS services. We need to look after each other and also ourselves. Please check in on friends, family and neighbours, whilst also taking care of your own wellbeing. If anyone needs urgent support the Hyndburn Hub is available, please do not hesitate to get in touch via: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk 01254 388 111

Lastly, please remember to get a test if you are in any doubt about having COVID-19. We have lots of testing availability in Hyndburn, it is free, quick and easy to book. You can visit nhs.uk or call 119 for an appointment and the test site is open 8am-8pm 7-days-a-week. By identifying positive cases we can then prevent further transmission of the virus. Support is also available for those who need to isolate via the Hyndburn Hub.

For further information about coronavirus, business support or testing please visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk