Alan White

Staffordshire County Council leader

WE’RE now four weeks into the third national lockdown and as you would hope we are starting to see a fall in Covid-19 cases in Staffordshire.

Throughout the pandemic our residents and businesses have been fantastic, and their efforts can and must continue to make the difference.

We have had some excellent news of course with the opening of mass vaccination centres in Tunstall and Stafford.

This means more eligible residents and frontline health and care workers can be protected against the virus, so please go for the jab when you are invited.

With the Oxford vaccine being manufactured here in Staffordshire it is great to see it being used to help save lives. If the pandemic has shown me anything, it’s that it brings out the best in people and the amazing community spirit we enjoy here in the county.

We’ve just launched this year’s Dignity in Care Awards, when we look to share the best of the care sector and those amazing individuals who go that extra mile for those they look after, even in the face of a global pandemic.

If you know anyone who deserves recognition, please put them forward for an award.

In other non-covid news, at our Cabinet meeting last week, we agreed an investment package for the year of almost £110million for roads, schools, and business parks, as well as £346million for social care.

As I have said before, we will continue to spend what is required and what residents want us to do so we can protect the most vulnerable and get communities and our economy back up and running again after the pandemic.

Please continue to do your bit by following the rules so we can get restrictions lifted and back to the freedoms and things we once enjoyed.