With pre-Christmas festivities getting into full swing, the weekend delivered more than one unexpected turn. Fortunately the wild weather, while bringing down trees and delivering a flurry of snow, didn’t stop people in Ansdell and Kirkham getting out for their Christmas lights switch-on events. The market in Kirkham was a particularly exciting event and one I hope will return in years to come.
Of course recent days have brought with them fresh uncertainty about the course of the pandemic. The new variant has thrown a curve ball into the Government’s plans. It is too early to know just how this development will impact our path out of the pandemic, that is why a cautious and realistic approach is important. I know some will be worried by what might be seen as backward steps, others may feel the Government could have gone further. The temporary steps which have been put in place give us time to learn more about this variant and what it means for the UK and countries across the world.
Our best chance of protection remains the vaccine campaign. Rollout has been extended now to all over-18s and I continue to encourage everyone in Fylde to come forward for their jab. Vaccines work and are making a real difference in our fight against the pandemic. Please do make sure you are playing your own small part in their success and to the progress we continue to make.
The Government has acted quickly and prudently but in a manner which will not impact the many businesses which have already been so badly affected. It is more important than ever family-owner shops, restaurants, cafes and bars across Fylde have our support. This weekend it is Small Business Saturday, a chance to celebrate the entrepreneurs on our high streets. There are so many brilliant shops in our towns and villages, some very well established, others just starting out in an uncertain world. I have been our and about to visit as many as I can and to see for myself what is on offer. The welcome I have received has always been warm, the message I have left with very clear.
Many people in Fylde will be starting their Christmas shopping this week. If you can, please do shop local, support a Fylde business. You will find some incredible products and fantastic service on our high streets and your custom makes a real difference to people who live in and contribute to our local communities.