We have now moved to the next phase in easing lockdown measures, thanks to the vast majority of people following public health rules. Non-essential shops have been able to open from Monday 15th June, with pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants opening no earlier than 4th July. Let’s do all that we can to support these vital local businesses in the weeks ahead.
Such steps need to continue to be taken cautiously to go on protecting public health, but it’s important to help back businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors – many of which are small and medium-sized enterprises
In the virtual space, it’s great to see the work that the Barnaby Festival and Treacle Market are doing to maintain their important place in our community calendar and strengthen the community spirit. The next Treacle Market on 28th June will be virtual.
Coronavirus not only poses a risk to lives, the disease also threatens livelihoods. That’s why the Government has created a comprehensive support package. Locally, we have strong economic foundations with an active life-science sector and an entrepreneurial and skilled workforce. This is important as we take forward recovery plans to strengthen the economy and protect jobs.
The life science sector, and the important work of AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, is not just a jewel in the crown of our local economy, but it is also vital to the nation as a whole. Never more so than at a time when we are tackling the coronavirus pandemic. I will go on working with AstraZeneca and key stakeholders, including Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, to help realise this potential for our local economy.
I will continue to do all that I can to support local businesses at this challenging time – please let me know if I can be of any help.