‘Some of the public are like children throwing tantrums’

DIVISION and confusion continue to afflict all the authorities trying to deal with the pandemic, or at least limit its spread.

One thing, however, is clear. It is difficult, if not impossible, to enforce social distancing, particularly on the ‘night time economy’. Virtual no-go areas have existed in some Northern and Midlands towns.

The situation is complicated by political considerations. Many of the constituencies involved turned Conservative at the last election. The new MPS are not safe enough in their seats to defy demands for the release of restrictions.

Those wishing, either for reasons of self-indulgence out of reluctance

to alienate the self-indulgent, to stop or moderate lockdowns should think again.

Is, given the circumstances, the ‘night time economy’ good for its customers, the staff or the country?

If the government gives in, either now or after more pressure, and the coronavirus spreads, the same people will blame the government.

Whatever the government does and whatever the result the government will be blamed.

Some of the public are like children throwing tantrums when refused extra helpings of ice-cream because they would be sick.

Groups often close their eyes to unnecessary risk. Herd fatalism?

In 1492, syphilis travelled from America to Europe with Columbus.

It and similar diseases swept over the whole peninsula with incredible speed.

Hundreds of thousands died

or suffered lasting damage. It devastated armies. People knew what caused it-but went on having risky sex. Every nation attributed its origin to another nation.

Moving onto the Irish Troubles of the late 20th Century, crowded pubs were natural targets for bombs thrown by terrorists of the other side.

It would have been much safer to stay at home, but isolation and boredom seemed more frightening than death or maiming.

Now we have an updated version. It is worse because most of the customers have never suffered serious illness or bereavement through violent death. So the central government, devolved administrations and local authorities face an uphill battle against grassroots determination to ignore restrictions. There is no limit to stupidity and selfishness.

The pandemic might die away naturally. Then again, it might not.

It might become as endemic as measles or mumps used to be before the appropriate vaccines were discovered.

We do not know, but I would advise against any expectation that everybody will cooperate.

Margaret Brown

FOLLOWING on from my recent letter, I have now met with the organisers of the Sunday Supplement Market and I am happy to clarify a number of points.

The Sunday Supplement Market has been a brilliant addition to our local scene for some years now, and long may it continue!

It has brought a new dimension to markets in the town, completely changing the atmosphere on its market days.

It clearly brings economic benefits to local traders, craftspeople and businesses, both in and beyond the markets. It has social and community benefits for townspeople and visitors alike.

Having been instrumental in ensuring that new sides and backs for the Town Council stalls were purchased back at the start of the year, I was delighted to see its return after the lockdown period, and I have the greatest of respect for the organisers and volunteers who have made that possible,

I raised other points in the letter about possible areas of future expansion of the market back to its normal size, and the availability of stalls owned by the town council in supporting such expansion.

These suggestions are, of course, my own personal view. I accept that the organisers have full independent responsibility for the organisation and management of the Sunday Supplement market.

I do have completely separate criticisms of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council ,and its role in other market matters, as people will know. I am more than happy to apologise to the Sunday Supplement organisers if my letter gave the impression that I was being critical of the Sunday Supplement at the same time.

They are volunteers doing a great job for the benefit of our community and I am pleased to put that on record.

Matthew Swindlehurst Chairman of Leek Town Council events committee