Leek Town Mayor

LEEK TOWN MAYOR

Since the Mayoral election in May this year, Ihave been determined to meetwithas many people as possible, initially under necessary restrictions and latterly, becoming alittle 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, sometimesweforget.

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 apleasure 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 ourtowns assetshas been under discussion, instigated by my predecessor, working collaboratively with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and our Town Council.

There is now a plan of work 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 assetwehave 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. Ithank 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 datefor 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.

Iamseeking help from individuals and groups in supporting my two chosencharities this year. Both charities are local initiatives, Family First who are anational charity but with local projects to support families, and Borderland Voices, aLeek based charity who support people with mental health issuesthrough the arts.

There are many families and individuals who have struggled as aresultofthe pandemic, making these groups vital.

There is endless enthusiasm and commitment within our town that shows in its warmth, humour and collectiveness.

Iamproud to represent the town in any wayas Mayor. Please contact me if Ican do anything to support you.

Leek Town Mayor councillor Lyn Swindlehurst 07870 604739 lynswindlehurst2 @hotmail.co.uk

Leek Town Mayor councillor Lyn Swindlehurst

<<As most people areaware theCovid vaccination programme is continuingwith the vulnerable young peopleand those aged 16/17 now beingcalled for their first vaccination. The Moorlands have averyhigh percentageofthe population (over 88 per cent) are vaccinated particularly thoseover 50 years oldbut there arestillsignificantnumbers of those under 50 who have not taken up thevaccine.Itisinterestingtonote that some of the younger people whoare unvaccinatedhave been admittedtointensive care withCovid anditisthese unvaccinated people whoare putting aloadonthe hospital services.Thankstothe volunteerssupporting NHS stafffor theirinvaluablehelpinenablingthe PCN to achievethe high level of uptakeofthe vaccine across the agegroups.

The reorganisation of the management of Health and Social Care across Staffordshireand StokeonTrent is continuing but the actual Board structures arestillbeing defined as the Parliamentary Billisnow at thecommittee stage, anduntil it achieves the thirdreadingthe actual detailwillnot be finalised.The new structures aredue to be implemented from April 2022.

ThePrimary Care NetworkofGPPractices acrossLeek and Biddulph is continuing to develop theservices provided acrossall practices and thereare nowfive Pharmacists, one Pharmacy Technician,threeSocial Prescribers, two Occupational Therapists, Dietician and Mental HealthPractitioner. These professionals have caseloadstosupport patients closer to homewiththeir individual care plans andobtain external supportwhere appropriatebased on the patients none medical needs. This broadening of the services viathe GP practicesshould reduce theneed for manypatients to travel away from their home to hospitalsand clinicsinStoke.

Pleasehelp yourGPpractice reception staffbybeing patientand polite when trying to obtainanappointment, their jobisfar from stress free.