This week has been a positive one.
On Wednesday I was due to speak in the House of Lords. However, the session clashed with a ceremony to welcome the latest cohort of police recruits to Leicestershire. Given the importance that I place on increasing police numbers, I wanted to be there in person. My good friend Lord Campbell-Savours delivered the speech on my behalf. He pointed out that Leicester is a great city, which has shown the world how people from many different faiths and backgrounds can live and work in harmony.
The speech challenged the basis for the COVID lockdown being based on local authority boundaries when some parts needed it, and some didn’t. We’ll see what happens next, because this week, the news has been good.
As the Leicester Mercury headlined, “Positive Covid-19 Tests plummeting” from 14% down to 1.9%. The seven-day infection rate has fallen dramatically at a time when huge amounts of testing are taking place.
This morning we were all relieved to learn that the sacrifices people have made, and the sensible way in which they have responded to the extended lockdown, have not been in vain. The restrictions in Oadby and Wigston will be lifted next week, and while the City isn’t yet in that position, most of the stricter measures will be eased.
I urge everyone to continue to follow the guidance, keep up the hand washing and social distancing; otherwise, all the hard work of the last few weeks will be wasted.
Here’s some more good news. On Monday, it was confirmed that my office had been awarded more than £1.5m from the Safer Streets Fund to help three neighbourhoods tackle local crime.
An area in Westcotes that includes Narborough Road and neighbouring streets received £550,000; the Warwick Way and Dishley Estates in Loughborough also got £550,000, and Braunstone Frith was granted £418,000. Our analysis revealed that these areas need additional help. Now they’re getting it, and that’s fantastic news.
I am looking forward to working with these communities to improve public safety, achieve long-term reductions in acquisitive crime and importantly reduce fear among local people. My thanks go out to the OPCC team and to our local partners for the hard work, which ensured that our bids were successful.
At a tough time like this, we all need a lift. The sun is shining, and it’s said that good news comes in threes. So my fingers are crossed for Leicestershire County Cricket Club in the shortened season which begins tomorrow.
Have a great weekend.
Willy Bach
31 July 2020
Posted on Friday 31st July 2020