| Good evening, We’ve all found it tough in the last seven months. The restrictions on our lives have been unprecedented - and we have had to acclimatise to a completely different way of living and working. Then just when we believed we were on our way out of the tunnel, another train came rushing at us in the shape of the second wave of Covid-19. But if many of us have found it difficult to adjust, it has been almost impossible for some of the businesses which rely on us to survive. Our bars and pubs - the lifeblood of the city’s economy - are either shut or have reduced opening hours with strict rules on how customers engage with staff and each other. Not surprisingly, this is having a huge effect, with some saying they find it difficult to see how they will survive, but many have not lost their fighting spirit and are pledging to ensure they return. It may not seem like it at this moment, but this too will pass. Then all of us will have to play our part in the regeneration process. Shall we drink to that? Send me your views at [email protected]. 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 | 