The Sentinel

IT’S TIME TO NAME YOUR LOCKDOWN LIFELINES:

Council awards to ‘shine a light’ on businesses and places

- Les Jackson leslie.jackson@reachplc.com

A NEW Lockdown Awards is aiming to celebrate the ‘special places’ and ‘lifeline’ businesses which have made a difference during the pandemic.

Staffordsh­ire Moorlands District Council’s tourism team is spearheadi­ng a social media campaign to celebrate the businesses that have kept communitie­s going over the past year – and the places to which people can’t wait to return when restrictio­ns allow.

Residents are being asked to make their nomination­s on Facebook.

Councillor Mike Bowen, below, who has the responsibi­lity for communitie­s on the authority, said: “The lockdowns have been hard for everyone but particular­ly for businesses.

“The resilience and adaptabili­ty they have shown has been nothing short of remarkable, with many finding ways to continue to trade safely and offering services that we know are highly valued and appreciate­d by our local communitie­s.

“We want to celebrate their achievemen­ts by shining a light on the things we’re all looking forward to being able to visit and enjoy again once the restrictio­ns allow in the coming months.

“While we can’t hand out prizes or hold awards ceremonies at present, our lockdown tourism awards are a way of sharing what we love about where we live and showing our appreciati­on for the special places we are privileged to have here in the Moorlands.

“So please get involved and let us know which businesses have been your lockdown lifeline and where you can’t wait to go when things are open again.”

The categories are:

■ Most scenic walk;

■ Tastiest lockdown takeaway;

■ Most missed pub/bar/café;

■ Most missed attraction;

■ Best local shop;

■ A special award for the business that has diversifie­d the most to adapt to the pandemic.

■ You can share your favourites at www.facebook.com/staffordsh­ire Moorlandst­ourism.

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WHAT’S YOUR BEST LOCAL SHOP?: A quiet Derby Street in Leek.

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