At the time of writing, Oadby and Wigston is now out of the extended lockdown area – much to the relief of many residents.

However, your local Liberal Democrat councillors are concerned that the Government needs to improve its handling of Covid-19.

We are glad to see that Whitehall has abandoned the centralised “Track and Trace” system and is now working with local councils to use “on-the-spot” neighbourhood knowledge to improve track and trace contact rates.

It is important that councils are given the financial resources to take on this task effectively.

With some areas of life becoming a little more normal, it has been shown in other countries that an effective track and trace system is vital to managing and containing further outbreaks of the virus.

Better Communications

The government also need to take a hard look at communications with local residents when they impose or lift extended lockdowns.

When the lockdown in Oadby was finally lifted, it was announced on Twitter by the MP for this area, who then quoted the wrong day and finally made the correct announcement late on a Friday evening.

This gave businesses and residents little time to plan for the re-opening of retailers and services.

Oadby County Councillor Dean Gamble said, “I hope the government learn lessons from this. Many residents do not use social media. A clear statement of what was happening should have been provided to local radio, regional TV, press and local authorities.

“Our businesses and residents need clear, well-timed information about any changes to restrictions.”