Tributes to victims one year on from first case

BOROUGH council leaders have paid tribute to those who have lost their lives to coronavirus, on the first anniversary of the national lockdown.

Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, said: “Nobody could have envisaged how significantly coronavirus would affect all our lives and how long it would go on for.

“I want to pay my respects to every person who has lost their life to the virus and my condolences to all the loved ones affected.

“I am incredibly proud of the residents of Hinckley and Bosworth and how they have responded to what has been an incredibly difficult year. I would like to thank everyone for working together as a community, for heeding government guidance and for saving lives.”

It was around this time last year the first Covid-19 case was recorded in Hinckley and Bosworth. Volunteers have helped run the coronavirus vaccination hub at Hinckley leisure centre since the middle of January, with 500 volunteers recruited over a three-day period, to work alongside council staff.

Transport service Dial a Ride joined forces with Hinckley and Bosworth Community Transport and Westfield Community Centre to provide free transport for vulnerable people in the area, to go and get their jabs.

Council leader Stuart Bray said: “My thoughts also are with the families in our area who have lost loved ones and everyone affected.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise our incredible NHS workers and all our key workers; the teachers, the delivery drivers and so many more – they deserve huge praise and credit, and have proven that they are modern day heroes.

“They have worked tirelessly.”