LEEK TOWN MAYOR
S
ince the Mayoral election in May this year, I have been determined to meet with as many people as possible, initially under necessary restrictions and latterly, becoming a little more relaxed though still cautious and respectful of individuals preferences. It is heartwarming to meet with Leek people and those who visit us and remind us how lovely our town and surrounding countryside is, sometimes we forget. If lockdown taught me anything it s to appreciate what we have on our doorstep, and the people in our lives and in our community. It has been a pleasure to welcome new businesses to Leek centre and we all wish them well. Having unique shops supported by Totally Locally ensures our town thrives. We must support this effort by spending our money locally where we can. If we don t use it, we lose it. Over several months maintenance of our towns assets has been under discussion, instigated by my predecessor, working collaboratively with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and our Town Council. There is now a Leek Town Mayor councillor plan of work Lyn Swindlehurst underway to spruce up our town. You will notice painting work, pressure washing and refurbishment of the unique Victorian lamp in the market square that is stunning, especially in the evening.
Of course the main asset we have in Leek is its residents. There have been thousands of hours dedicated by people amongst us volunteering to support each other initially in lockdown, but this continues and seems to grow. I thank everyone who gives support to others in whatever way, most sincerely. One of our town assets is the talented people amongst us. Artists musicians, gardeners, and of course, our Town Crier, the list is endless. For me, having live music back in Leek is wonderful. One date for our diary is the October Blues and Americana Festival. The organisers work tirelessly to ensure we can enjoy world class music, much of it free, welcoming residents and visitors alike. I am seeking help from individuals and groups in supporting my two chosen charities this year. Both charities are local initiatives, Family First who are a national charity but with local projects to support families, and Borderland Voices, a Leek based charity who support people with mental health issues through the arts. There are many families and individuals who have struggled as a result of the pandemic, making these groups vital. There is endless enthusiasm and commitment within our town that shows in its warmth, humour and collectiveness. I am proud to represent the town in any way as Mayor. Please contact me if I can do anything to support you.
<<As most people are aware the Covid vaccination programme is continuing with the vulnerable young people and those aged 16/17 now being called for their first vaccination. The Moorlands have a very high percentage of the population (over 88 per cent) are vaccinated particularly those over 50 years old but there are still significant numbers of those under 50 who have not taken up the vaccine. It is interesting to note that some of the younger people who are unvaccinated have been admitted to intensive care with Covid and it is these unvaccinated people who are putting a load on the hospital services. Thanks to the volunteers supporting NHS staff for their invaluable help in enabling the PCN to achieve the high level of uptake of the vaccine across the age groups. The reorganisation of the management of Health and Social Care across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent is continuing but the actual Board structures are still being defined as the Parliamentary Bill is now at the committee
stage, and until it achieves the third reading the actual detail will not be finalised. The new structures are due to be implemented from April 2022. The Primary Care Network of GP Practices across Leek and Biddulph is continuing to develop the services provided across all practices and there are now five Pharmacists, one Pharmacy Technician, three Social Prescribers, two Occupational Therapists, Dietician and Mental Health Practitioner. These professionals have caseloads to support patients closer to home with their individual care plans and obtain external support where appropriate based on the patients none medical needs. This broadening of the services via the GP practices should reduce the need for many patients to travel away from their home to hospitals and clinics in Stoke. Please help your GP practice reception staff by being patient and polite when trying to obtain an appointment, their job is far from stress free.
Leek Town Mayor councillor Lyn Swindlehurst 07870 604739 lynswindlehurst2 @hotmail.co.uk
