Barry Lewis

Leader, Derbyshire County Council

THERE’S no doubt 2021 was another challenging year, and with the pandemic still with us we just can’t predict what’s in store or any changes we face.

Despite the challenges facing individuals, families, communities and businesses, our great county is already showing strong signs of recovery, and we’re building back not only stronger but greener too.

As well as being council leader I run a business and I have a family and am by no means immune from the effects of the pandemic. That’s why I’m as determined to ensure the council is there to support people who need it. We continue to drive forward positive change and initiatives that will help the county get back on its feet and benefit us all.

We continue to be there for businesses and are investing in services including schools and roads. One of the projects we continue to push forward is the Ashbourne relief road.

Since cabinet agreed the approved route, the outer western line, we have been looking at the detailed design options.

We’ve done this not to decide which option will be confirmed but to make sure that we are covering all the possible options towards a planning application. I know people want to see this become a reality and I want to assure the people of Ashbourne that while there’s still a way to go, we’re working on it.

We know vaccines and community testing have been game-changers and we continue with this public health work and supporting the NHS.

We’re also making great strides with our climate change work.

Despite an uncertain year, there have been many highlights including supporting the Beacon of Hope awards launched by Derbyshire’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, with the stories behind the awards, including several from the Ashbourne area, being truly humbling.

The past 12 months have shown me that while times can be difficult and uncertain, good work can still happen. Innovative ideas can come to fruition, people who need it can be supported and projects that will benefit us all can get off the ground, working closely with partners and communities along the way.

It’s in this spirit that we move into 2022.