The week kicked off with the great news that progress with vaccination against COVID means anyone 36 or over can now book their first dose and I strongly encourage everyone to do so when they can. I am having my second dose this weekend and am grateful for the work the NHS, Government and vaccine companies are doing to make our vaccine programme the success that it is.
Monday also marked our next step forward in unlocking with going inside other people’s homes and interacting normally, overnight stays and visiting indoor food and entertainment venues all now happening freely. With the weather we are having at the moment I am certainly looking forward to the warmth of our great Somerset pubs and restaurants. If unsure do check the Government website for up-to-date information https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Concern about the Indian variant of the virus and how it might affect unlocking seems overdone. The vast majority of the population are now vaccinated, the vaccines work including against all variants and against transmission, and the rest of us outside the vaccine age brackets have only a very small risk of harm. I therefore think it would be unreasonable to delay complete release from restrictions domestically on 21 June and will continue to make the case for this in Westminster.
Another concern is pet theft so I am glad to see the PM throw his full support behind our new Pet Theft Taskforce which will crack down on the rising rate of pet-napping that has unfortunately occurred over the last year. As someone who has a dog the thought of part of the family disappearing is beyond words and I will do all I can to support this specialist unit locally.
This week District Council organised “ballot” papers may appear through your letterbox in respect of change in local government despite the fact that they are pushing one of the options, the consultation for the decision which is the Secretary of State’s to make has already happened, and thousands of valid local responses are already being carefully considered. I have already written about how misleading and what a terrible waste of money this political stunt is, especially given the District Council has said regenerating the Cattle Market and Glovers Walk sites in Yeovil will need more public money. I would encourage anyone minded to return the papers to support the One Somerset proposals for a single unitary council for Somerset. I receive so many complaints about the District Council’s planning that has been a shambles over the years and I am sure a Somerset wide, unified approach will put the community in a better position and be much better value for money.
Finally, over the last few weeks I have read a number of articles about where in the country is good to live, as some people feel less tied to traditional work routines, and Somerset is clearly the place to be. Of course we knew this all along. Historic England seem to agree as they have just awarded a grant of central Government funding to Chard High Streets Heritage Action Zone to work with local partners on a series of events celebrating our history.
As always, do contact me on any of these issues or if I can be of help on 01935314321 or email marcus.fysh.mp@parliament.uk