We want to know what you think – Have your say in our COVID survey

Rossendale borough council are urging people to complete a survey to help establish the views and attitudes of residents regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions placed on them.  

Lancashire was placed in Tier 3, very high alert, last weekend. This means the closure of pubs and bars not serving food, as well as betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centres. People are also banned from socialising with other households both indoors and in private gardens. 

Whilst this was seen as inevitable by some it only came about after long and hard-fought negotiations to secure adequate funding and concessions from government ministers. 

Council Leader Alyson Barnes said “The leaders from across Lancashire took a very pragmatic approach and worked together to get the best deal we could. As well as additional funding, we successfully argued that gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons should remain open. 

“We recognise that gyms play a vital part in keeping people healthy at this time and there have been no recorded transmission in Rossendale’s gyms so we’re pleased we were able to secure this concession.” 

The county’s 15 council leaders managed to convince the Government to increase its support package from £12m to £42m, with extra support for a test and trace system. 

Cllr Barnes added: “After major negotiations with government, we agreed a bespoke deal for Lancashire that means our businesses and residents will receive extra support that will not be available elsewhere in the country.  

“It’s now vitally important we have information and data available on how restrictions are affecting people and where confusion about the different restrictions occurs. 

“Meanwhile, it’s also important for us as a council to get a better understanding of just how this situation has and is affecting our community.  

“This will not only help us better plan and support the people of Rossendale, but it is also vital evidence we can use to demonstrate to government what impact the whole situation is having on our communities and the additional funding that is needed. 

“That’s why I’m urging as many people as possible to take the survey and let us know how the restrictions are affecting them and their attitudes towards them.” 

The survey can be completed by going to the https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RBCCOVID