‘Inappropriate’ slogan is rapped
A HARD-HITTING slogan used by Rossendale council to promote the borough’s fight against Covid-19 has provoked some debate this week.
The pink and black design ‘Our Number’s Up Rossendale!’ has been used widely across the council’s social media platforms and shared by many community groups.
They said the “attentiongrabbing” campaign would help address the sharp rise in positive Covid-19 cases across the borough. However, there have been complaints that the wording was ‘inappropriate’. More than 200 people have died with the virus at East Lancashire hospitals.
One respondent to a social media post said: “How to cheer everyone up with a logo like that.”
Another added: “I have shared this because the message re testing is important, however, I would like to suggest someone reconsiders the slogan wording please.”
Rossendale Conservatives have also criticised the wording.
Group leader Coun
Peter Steen said: “I must admit I was rather taken aback when I saw the slogan on Facebook; unfortunately someone obviously thought it was ‘eye catching’ and would appeal to the younger element of the community. I’m sure a more subtle approach could have been taken and I shall be discussing it with [the council’s] director of communities.”
And MP Jake Berry added: “I applaud the council’s efforts to promote the testing facilities at Marl Pits, however I appreciate that the slogan is perhaps a little inappropriate. It has, however, highlighted that our local testing facility in Rossendale is back.”
Ann Knowles, whose mother-in-law Joan was among 11 residents at Haslingden Hall care home to die after testing positive for coronavirus, said: “Personally, I don’t like the wording. I would be inclined to rephrase it as follows: Rossendale’s numbers are increasing.”
But Janet Clayton, whose mum Marie Griffiths was another victim of the virus, was more supportive.
She: “I think it is very appropriate and striking. Hopefully it will get the message home to some people who choose to ignore the present situation.”
Neil Shaw, the council’s chief executive, explained: “We want to stress to people the important part they play in halting the spread and we deliberately designed a slogan that would be eye-catching to grab as much attention as possible to tackle this invisible threat, particularly to reach young people. If this message helps to grab the attention of local people so they can take action, it is helping to play a positive part in tackling the situation.”