Relief at lockdown easing
THERE were sighs of relief as Rossendale was removed from local lockdown restrictions after four weeks.
The easing of enhanced restrictions imposed at the end of July and coming into effect on Wednesday, was confirmed last Friday via Rossendale MP Jake Berry.
The move is an unprecedented one when it comes to local lockdown rules, with the Blackburn with Darwen borough now split down the middle.
Instead, rules are now being followed on a constituency basis, with Blackburn separate to its neighbouring constituency of Rossendale and Darwen.
Mr Berry told the Free Press: “I really want to thank people for playing their part in abiding by the enhanced restrictions.
“It’s more than pleasing that the infection rate has fallen so that we can now revert to national restrictions, rather than enhanced local restrictions.”
Mr Berry said he had been in discussions with the Health Secretary Matt Hancock over recent weeks, adding: “I’m pleased that the government is moving to a more targeted approach. Rossendale has had actually a very low infection rate.”
But he added: “It’s really important that we continue to show solidarity and stand together with other areas of East Lancashire. It is only by standing together as one community that we will beat this terrible virus.”
There was initial confusion over rules in Haslingden, which is in the borough of Rossendale but the constituency of Hyndburn whose borough remains under local lockdown rules.
However, Haslingden MP Sara Britcliffe was quick to clarify the matter, confirming that the town is no longer under local lockdown measures, in line with the remainder of the Rossendale borough.
In a statement on Friday, she said: “The local restrictions have been very difficult for us all and I have been pushing for a very localised approach to this.
“The cases have been very low in Haslingden and this is something that I have been highlighting to the Department [of Health].
“I am very pleased to confirm today to the residents of Haslingden that these local restrictions will now be eased and that Haslingden will fall in line with the national picture.
“This will be welcome news to many.
“It is vital that we do all that we can to stop the spread of this vicious disease and I want to thank everyone for playing their part.”
WHAT you’ve been saying on our Facebook page:
Baby joy for Sam Aston and wife Briony (see page 3):
Barbara Smith: If this one is brought up half as good as Sam and his brothers and sisters have been then he won’t go far wrong. Very grounded family.
Sue Walden:
Congratulations to you both.
Helen Harris:
Congratulations to them both x
Sue McLoughlin:
Congratulations Sam & Briony love to you all x
Sharon Jackson:
Congratulations to them and their little bundle of Joy x
Loving messages and tributes to Annie Taylor, Leslie Burton, Brenda Henderson, Keith Benson, Elizabeth Hickson and Thomas Ashworth, who died in Rossendale (Obituaries, August 21):
Suzanna Marie: Rest peacefully Liz. Such a lovely lady x
Helen Edge: RIP Liz, such sad news x
Tracie Jayne Arh:
Absolutely heartbroken to hear of Brenda’s passing, I worked with her at Fairfield on nights for many years. Rest in paradise, such a lovely lady thinking of your dear husband Robert and Kay and love to the whole family x
Jimly Durkin: RIP Leslie Burton really great man, always had time for a chat known him since I was young, will be remembered always.
Geraldine George: So sad to learn of the death of
Liz. Thinking of her boys. RIP.
Karen Oldham: RIP Brenda, fond memories of our times at BGH & also a neighbour x
Pauline Ormerod: So sad, he was a lovely man.
HUNDREDS sign petition for crackdown on Haslingden and Helmshore lockdown speeding (August 21):
Antony Richardson: Bacup Road is like a racetrack most nights. A young girl was killed not so long ago, needs a permanent speed camera! Philip Atkinson: Whilst I am sure we can all understand these concerns, from what I recall of results after the police respond and enforce limits with speed cameras in defined areas, well over 80% of the ‘offenders’ turn out to be residents of the locality where everyone is meant to be “outraged”! At the end of the day you don’t get many foot to the floor reps racing from sales appointments between Reading and Brighton going via Broadway, Haslingden. A more realistic road hazard are the mummies, with phone welded to ear, who don’t know what zig zags or yellow lines mean dropping off their porky kids outside the several local schools as the children seem incapable of walking 400 yards.
Jay Richardson: Blackburn Road is a nightmare, someone is going to get killed or seriously injured with the people that speed all the time.
Sara Smallman: Burnley Road East is disgraceful in Waterfoot. Someone will end up getting killed before anything is done though.
Katy Hildred: Bury Road near the Whitchaff pub speeds regularly 70-80 of an evening, with the occasional overtaking race in the dip! Missed me crossing the road by little over a metre.
Dave Lang: Speeding occurs regularly on Jubilee Road which is supposed to be 20mph restricted. A couple of speed bumps would solve the problem.
CAT shot in the head by cruel yobs (see page 3):
Sharon Michelle: Hope you make a speedy recovery Rosie.
Alistair Roy: What the hell is wrong with these people? This is what happens when we allow our youth to get away with everything, unfettered, unrestricted and lacking in discipline, respect and responsibility. The parents of these idiots probably don’t care what their spawn is doing and therein lies the problem. Schools and the authorities are hamstrung and cannot provide the corrective measures some kids require.
Marian Rhodes: Such sickening and vile behaviour. Where are they getting their guns from. Hope they’re caught soon. Nanny Zoë Fearnley Palmer: Vile people, get well soon Rosie the cat x Lauren Burgess: My cat was shot years ago. Spent weeks in the vet version of intensive care. Only to come home and get shot again and killed. Why do kids have access to air rifles? Get well soon
Rosie.
Darren Lucas: Would love to foster it.
Pamela Badrock: And me! They are sick in the head! Carole Taylor: Absolutely vile.
Janette Butterworth:
Disgusting scumbags doing this, they need better parenting.
Local lockdown restrictions eased in Rossendale (see page 2):
Abi Katharine:
Hallelujah! This is the best news.
Jean Hardman: About time.
Eileen Mortimer
Webster: Thank God!
Dan Mac: We’re free, praise be, I can live my life again and see people and I won’t get fined or judged by sheep. Hurrah. Sylvia Turner: About time !
Cabbie Colin Durkin retiring after eye exam (August 21):
Helen Royds: Love to Colin...you’ll be missed x Gail Elsworth: Known Colin since working at Fitton Footwear, top bloke. Colin Nightingale: Best of luck with whatever comes next Colin.
Jack Peers-Holland: Good luck buddy.
Tricia Lazenby: Good luck Colin x
Janet Noon: Good luck Colin. Lovely man. X Tom Murgatroyd: Only taxi driver in the valley that would allow me to take my dogs in the taxi!