7 Dartford Unites

DARTFORD UNITES

BY GARETH JOHNSON, MP FOR DARTFORD

Throughout Dartford, people have been hit hard by this virus. Businesses have closed, people have died, we have all been unable to visit friends or relatives; so much has changed for us all. Yet, during this time we have seen a remarkable response from Dartfordians.

Despite being afraid for their safety, we have seen shop workers continue to provide us with food and other essentials. Postal workers have continued delivering much needed items. Bus and train drivers have enabled key workers to get to work and allow us to access the services we all rely on. NHS workers have been on the front line with Darent Valley Hospital responding magnificently during what must count as their ‘finest hour’. Care workers have continued to look after our most vulnerable and Dartford fire station has maintained its operations and taken on other crucial duties. Our local dustmen have collected an incredible 98.6% of all bins, preventing rubbish piling up. Dartford police continue to keep us safe, whilst at the same time placing themselves in danger time and again. The response from all of these people and more has been truly heroic. Yet it is also local residents, sticking to the rules, who have been crucial in tackling this evil virus.

People have taken an increased interest in the welfare of others and I have heard so many stories of people collecting medicines and food for the most vulnerable during this time. Our decency and humanity have shone through during this outbreak and people really mean it when they ask ‘how are you?’. There will always be a tendency to pick out wrong-doers, those who have not played their part, but in Dartford this has been the exception.

The clapping on Thursdays has been a good way of recognising the fantastic work of the NHS but we should also not forget the kindness, commitment and sacrifice of so many people since this pandemic took over.

We are now well over the peak of this outbreak. At long last there is a light at the end of the tunnel as the restrictions are slowly lifted. The risk of a second peak will be with us for a while and our freedoms will continue to be limited but we can now start thinking of that visit to family members, that long awaited holiday, having a pint in the local pub or even getting a haircut!

I make no apologies for the positive nature of this article. Whilst this virus has been dreadful, it has also brought us together. This outbreak will never be forgotten but nor should Dartford’s collective response. In some ways it has brought out the best in us. We are a long way from the end of this crisis but we can all take pride in our town and how we have responded to our greatest challenge for many years.