| Good evening, For those of us who like a bit of hokey-cokey, the pushing and pulling between our local and national politicians is something to behold. On the one hand, the Government is so concerned the rising number of Covid cases will overwhelm the NHS that they want the whole of Lancashire to go into Tier 3 - the strictest restrictions around our movement and every day lives. On the other, local councils are battling to get financial support for the people and businesses who will be badly affected by this partial lockdown in our communities. At one point today, we were told an announcement about Tier 3 was inevitable and imminent. Only for the status quo to remain. It may well be that we DO go into Tier 3, probably be sooner rather than later. But we need to stop the farcical machinations. They would be hilarious but for the fact that people’s lives and livelihoods are at risk. If we need stricter restrictions to help the NHS, let’s do it, and quickly. But unless we are going to throw the most vulnerable people to the wolves, we must have financial support to give people at least some hope for the future. Let me know if you agree or disagree. Email me at [email protected] And while I have your attention... I would like to ask if those of you who do not yet subscribe to www.lep.co.uk would consider taking out a digital subscription. By doing so, you are supporting local, community journalism and helping to ensure that it survives and thrives. A subscription gives you unlimited access to the site, for all the news and sport you need - and more. You can subscribe here: https://www.lep.co.uk/subscriptions And thank you. Gillian Parkinson Editor | 
