Marlene Haworth

Leader of the opposition

WE are now 18 months into this pandemic and the good news is we are beating it slowly, but still need to be careful.

Three-quarters of the UK are now fully vaccinated and we are moving into another phase where all 16-year-olds and upwards are being invited to have the jab so please go – you don’t need an appointment, just turn up.

This week I paid a visit to the market hall in Accrington and spoke to several of the stallholders who are struggling to make a living.

When I asked what else the council could do they all agreed the council were not entirely at fault; it was the lack of footfall that was the problem, and they desperately needed the support of residents in Hyndburn.

Following those conversations I had a meeting with the management and I must admit I was very impressed - they are doing everything humanly possible to entice people into the market hall. They have new tenants coming in shortly who will be selling a varied choice of items, they are looking at ways to brighten the hall up with some colour, and they have several events lined up over the next few months.

The thing that’s missing is all of you.

Come on people of Hyndburn, we all need to do our bit to help these stall holders to bring this jewel in our crown back to the place it belongs.

Let us all commit to visiting at least once a week and spending a small amount of money which will help them, and equally importantly will encourage other traders to move their businesses into the town, but this can only happen if we give them the support they so desperately need.

I must say it’s been great to go in and around the town finding the cafes and restaurants open and serving great food at competitive prices, so go along and try them.

You won’t be disappointed.

Finally this last week I was invited to a meeting, at which I met some of the people who work at the Hyndburn Hub - and what a superb and dedicated team they are. They all deserve our thanks for helping in so many ways to get us through this pandemic.

So team, on behalf of Hyndburn, I applaud you all for the work and hours you have put in over the last 18 months.

To all of you take care and stay safe.