Vaccine roll-out is a real shot in the arm for our borough

AFTER almost a year of restrictions, lockdowns and changes to our everyday lives we desperately needed a new year shot in the arm to give us all a renewed sense of hope. And we’ve got one. The vaccine roll- out across the borough is going great guns, with ( at the time of writing) over 30,000 older and vulnerable residents receiving the jab at our four brilliant local centres in Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough.

The delivery of the vaccine for thousands of our elderly, vulnerable and care staff has been a superb team effort from an army of GPS, nurses and volunteers.

I’ve now had my first dose. It’s perfectly safe and I had no side effects.

Those who have done their bit to help by volunteering at the vaccination centres include many council staff, our chief executive and my wife.

Rochdale’s cooperative spirit is, once again, delivering for our residents. There is a lot to look forward to but, alas, I would also urge caution. The final steps of any journey are often the toughest.

Now is not the time to buckle, to lose our discipline, or to become complacent.

So my plea is please continue to follow the rules, adhere to social distancing, wear a face covering and look out for your family, friends and the local community.

It’s tough, but we are getting there. I remain positive and optimistic.

What everyone is looking forward to is some certainty. A roadmap for the return of schools, and the reopening of retail and hospitality will be set out by the government in a few weeks.

The council has been there for the business community throughout the pandemic, underlined by the many support packages. Only this week, I received a lovely email from a Heywood driving instructor thanking the council for prompt action.

The micro-business grant of £ 2,000, paid the day after he applied, will keep him afloat.

Information about the new micro business grant and how to apply, as well as other grant schemes which are still open for applications, can be found at rochdale. gov. uk/ businessgrants

The census, the survey that happens every ten years, is taking place this year.

Census Day is Sunday, March 21, but online copies can be completed as soon as you receive your access code in the post. On the levelling up agenda I continue to lobby the government.

I have a wish list, that I am sure the borough’s two MPS support.

That means a longterm funding solution for adult social care, ensuring public transport schemes remain on track, reforming local government funding and investing in young people. That’s why, as leader, I am once again stepping in to fund meals for children during the halfterm holidays. ● SEE page eight