Christmas and New Year message from council leader, Neil Emmott

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Council

A Christmas message from the leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Neil Emmott.

I would like to start with a heartfelt thanks to everyone across the community. It has been another tough year for the borough but one where, once again, that Rochdalian spirit has shone brightly throughout. As always, we can look back with pride on many achievements, award successes and everyone pulling together to help and support loved ones, neighbours, friends and colleagues.

This time last year our vaccine programme was just starting. Twelve months on it has provided tens of thousands of our residents, including many older and vulnerable people, with vital protection from the virus. I have said many times, the vaccine programme is a shining example of what our borough can achieve, working together to deliver for and help protect thousands of our residents. Around 340,000 vaccinations, including over 50,000 boosters. have been delivered since the first jab was given in our borough on 15 December 2020.

We have vaccination clinics running throughout the Christmas period, right across our borough. You can have your first, second or booster vaccine giving you vital added protection from the new variant. As I have said many times, the vaccination is our route back to normality so I would urge everyone to come forward to protect yourself, your family and the community. All the information on the vaccination programme, and the range of clinics available, can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/CovidVaccine

As your council leader, I am proud of the part you all have played to stick to the advice, follow the rules and help to ensure we are all doing our bit to protect the NHS. The Omicron variant is highly transmissible. We all need to do our bit this Christmas and into the new year to pull together and take extra steps to safeguard yourself, your family, friends and the community.

During the festive break we must all take extra steps to safeguard ourselves and our families and friends. That means as well as getting the vaccine; doing regular tests, especially before any large gatherings, and letting in fresh air when mixing with other people indoors. Simple steps to protect those we love and cherish the most. At every stage of this pandemic our borough has risen to the challenge and we can, and will, do so again.

I think it’s important to pay tribute to council staff, health workers, carers, the voluntary sector and countless others. You have all done your bit to look after older residents, children and young people, ensuring the most vulnerable in our community have been supported and protected. A huge thanks to those of you who will continue that support over the festive period. Additionally, throughout the pandemic you will have noticed our borough looking clean and green. This doesn’t happen by accident and is testament to hard working teams who keep our streets, parks and town centres clean, safe and tidy for our residents and visitors. Another example of the good quality, value for money bread and butter services our residents want to see us delivering.

Through a challenging year, it has been heartening to see the footfall returning to our high streets, shopping centres, towns and villages. Cash tills have been ringing once again, helping to boost trade and protect jobs. It’s great to see our borough meaning business again.

So, as the pandemic enters a crucial phase, let’s all enjoy a peaceful and safe Christmas with our loved ones. Please cherish those precious moments together, but also do everything you can to help slow the spread of Omicron. Get vaccinated, keep testing, take care and stay safe. Enjoy those festivities, but take care and remember at all times that covid-19 is a present no one wants this festive period. I end by looking to the future, next year there is a lot to look forward to, so please do you bit today to help us all enjoy a better tomorrow. A very Happy Christmas and peaceful new year to everyone.

Councillor Neil Emmott
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council