THE last few weeks have seen welcome news being announced regarding various Covid-19 vaccines and positive trial results.

It’s hoped the first vaccines can be rolled out to Bury, Tottington and Ramsbottom next month, subject to regulatory approval.

And I know having spoken with Bury Council and CCG that plans are being drawn up to ensure we meet this huge logistic challenge.

The Prime Minister and Health Secretary have both stated they hope to see a return to some normality in the Spring and this hope and optimism is very welcome.

Covid-19 has challenged us all in a manner that we’ve not experienced since the Second World War and the determination of our residents to support their fellow citizens throughout the pandemic has been magnificent.

As we can see light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, I wish to pay tribute to everyone in our community who have followed social distancing rules and abided by the unprecedented restrictions placed upon our liberties. The debt we owe to all frontline workers will never be forgotten.

I welcome the £7m in further funding provided by the Government to Bury MBC to allow further support for local business and I am informed that grants have started to be issued.

I have written to the council leader asking that the discretionary scheme helps the hospitality sector, market traders, taxi drivers and childminders, who missed out previously.

The council has also received £3.2m in further funding to support front-line services and I would also ask that part of these monies be used to support those who need our help.

Our area will be left with huge challenges and these will be overcome by local politicians and state bodies working together. With a cross-party approach, we can seek access the billions available for infrastructure spending, regeneration and skills training. Endless plans and studies are no longer needed, our towns need to see action.

Bury College continues to offer life-changing skills training and I welcome the billions invested by the government in this sector.

We need to support the future of Bury Market and the regeneration of Gigg Lane. But this must be the tip of the iceberg and over the next 12 months we must work together to deliver more jobs and in particular support those with learning and physical disabilities, provide extra and improved mental health provision, and fund an Armed Forces Hub and a youth hub, and the delivery of a Towns Fund Deal

I am optimistic your local politicians can deliver these outcomes but only if we work closely together.