Councillor ‘appalled’ over anti-vax stance
EARLIER this month another antiCovid vaccine protest took place in Hebden Bridge.
A councillor for the area, Josh Fenton-Glynn, witnessed a protester tell a woman ‘coronavirus was not responsible for her mother’s death.’
Clr Fenton-Glynn (Lab) said he was ‘appalled’ by the protester’s behaviour – which demonstrated how toxic the debate has become for the town.
Anti-vax demonstrations are likely to be met with anger, derision and maybe some support.
To gauge the feeling The Examiner spoke to some of the people who live and work in Hebden Bridge.
While some were happy to discuss their views, others were not because the issue had been divisive for the town.
One business owner, who was in favour of the vaccine, said: “I’m for it only because I know people who have died from it.”
The business owner added she was fed up of Covid conspiracy protesters in the town.
“It’s the way they are argumentative with people,” she said.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinions but they’ve got quite aggressive putting them across.”
Magdalen, who supports the vaccine, said: “I think it’s the whole hippy culture thing and having those ideas of individualism. They don’t trust authority and want to think more critically about these things.
“I guess they believe that but it’s really irresponsible to be spreading [Covid] when there’s people dying.”
Katy, who works in a pet supplies shop, said she was going to lose her other job, in a care home, because she wouldn’t get vaccinated.
“I don’t want the vaccine. I don’t believe in any of it at all,” she said.
Katy added she would ‘love’ to join the protesters in Hebden’s St George’s Square.
Vicky, 31, doesn’t want the vaccine but had a softer approach.
She said: “I know Covid is real, I just think people need to stop living in fear. If you want the vaccine that’s fine and if you don’t, that’s fine too.”
Butcher Daniel, 29, was unequivocal in his support for the coronavirus vaccine.
He said: “It’s not about yourself, you’re protecting other people as well. It’s a bit selfish towards other people – the scientists can’t be wrong.”
Official government advice from various governments the world over says people should be vaccinated against Covid-19.