UNFORTUNATELY, like my previous column, I am writing against a backdrop of rising infection rates across our borough and the wider region.

In recent days we have seen national announcements emphasising that we are once again at a crucial stage in our efforts to tackle this pandemic.

And it is against this backdrop that we have had confirmation from central government that the Wigan borough will be subject to extra restrictions, bringing us in line with others across Greater Manchester.

It means households will not be able to mix in your homes or gardens unless they are part of a support bubble.

Earlier this month I added my voice to the urgent calls for the government to step up and fix the issues with our national testing system – it is simply unacceptable to have been in this position where residents – and many more across the UK - were unable to book a test.

In the meantime, while will we hope that ministers deliver on their promises when it comes to mass testing, we will continue to urge our residents to follow public health guidelines.

- It was encouraging therefore that the result of a recent patrol observation exercise undertaken by council staff and GMP officers found that a majority of shoppers in Leigh town centre were wearing face-coverings.

It is a message that we have been repeating regularly throughout this year, but I do not hesitate to state it again; we all have a role to play to help drive down infection rates.

So please remember the three W’s: wash your hands, wear a face covering and watch your distance.

- We were delighted to announce last week that Wigan Council is among the first, if not the first, local authority to sign a charter pledging support for employees struggling with gambling addiction.

It demonstrates our commitment to helping our staff with their general health and wellbeing and recognising the often devastating impact of harmful gambling.

We are proud to be leading on this work and hope other authorities follow with similar commitments.

- To conclude on another positive note, it was great news for the borough that the Heritage Action Zone project in Tyldesley had its funding bid confirmed by Historic England.

The Tyldesley project, led by community group For Tyldesley, will see exciting refurbishment works along Elliott Street.

It will be fascinating to see this project move forward over the next year and we congratulate everyone involved with the bid.