CHRIS GREEN - Keep supporting local businesses

Businesses have had to adapt where they can, with some local pubs starting to offer takeaway and shops switching to deliveries and click and collect.

Whilst some were able to change and adapt to comply with the lockdown rules, not everyone could.

It has become more important than ever to support the wonderful small businesses that make up our community.

With so many restrictions on travel, people have really got behind the ‘shop local’ mantra this year.

With Christmas approaching, it has been brilliant to see our high streets starting to thrive once more. Our local shops and market stalls were there for us throughout lockdown when many people couldn’t get delivery slots from the big supermarkets or were faced with empty shelves and big queues when they could get out.

This has been a tough year for so many businesses and it is important that we continue to support them.

Atherton must have one of the friendliest and most eclectic high streets in the country. You can walk from one end to the other and buy almost everything you could need – and you’ll probably have been stopped for a chat a few times as well.

Let’s keep supporting our local businesses – and let’s hope that, in the New Year, pubs and restaurants can reopen so we can support them, too.

There is one Christmas present that many people will welcome this year: Brexit has finally been secured .

No matter which side of the Brexit debate you were on, I think everyone will be relieved that the matter of Brexit will finally be closed and our country can move on in 2021.

With nearly 60 trade deals already secured by the International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, the future is looking bright for our country in the new year.

As 2020 draws to a close, it is natural to look back on the year – and what a year it has been.

Who could imagine when the clock chimed midnight on December 31, 2019 that the following year would see a strange new virus rip across the world, with aeroplanes grounded worldwide and mask- wearing becoming the norm.

Because of the Covid-19 lockdowns, we have seen so many aspects of our day-to-day life change this year and that has brought with it its own challenges.

My inbox has been filled with stories of struggling businesses going under, families being split apart, medical treatment being cancelled, suicidal thoughts and young people’s futures being taken away.

It was for these reasons that, earlier this year, I resigned from my role in government in order for me to vote against further crippling lockdown measures and speak out about what I was seeing in my own constituency.

This was one of the most difficult decisions of my political career, but I even more strongly believe it was the right one. I am grateful for the support so many of you have given me over the last few months – your emails, phone calls and letters were very much appreciated.

Whilst this year has been the most difficult of many people’s lives, we cannot let it pass without remarking on the sense of community spirit that has been on show during these difficult times.

There was so much to be proud of in our community this year. From Facebook groups being set up to co-ordinate shopping for the most vulnerable, to street parties to celebrate VE Day, despite the circumstances, local people didn’t let coronavirus stop us from celebrating our brilliant communities.

This year has had more than its fair share of challenges, but it has also had its positives.

Despite the doom and gloom, we mustn’t ever lose sight of what makes our community such a special place: our ability to look out for one another and, dare I say it, our sense of humour.

To all Wigan Observer readers, I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

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