Karen Bradley: In this week's column on Biddulph Nub News, the Moorlands MP has praised the Moorlands' vaccine rollout as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

As we move towards the Easter weekend, I know that many of you are now enjoying seeing family and friends again.

From last Monday (29th March), some restrictions have been lifted and we can now meet outdoors in a group of 6 from any number of households or in a group of any size from up to 2 households.

This past year has been so hard for so many people in so many different ways and it really is so lovely to be able to sit outside with family and friends for the first time for many months.

Like me, many of you will be delighted that formally organised outdoor sports are allowed again, particularly for our children who have missed being part of a team and seeing their friends to play football, rugby, cricket, hockey to name just a few.

It has been so tough to see people not be able to play sports and I know how much we will enjoy not just playing but also watching from the sidelines.

Of course, this Easter will be different and let's hope the weather is kind to us but here in the Moorlands we are lucky to have lateral flow testing facilities and one of the best vaccine rollouts in the country so, despite the terrible difficulties and hardships that so many people have suffered, I really do feel that we are gradually coming out of this.

I know that you will join me in thanking all those working in the emergency services and not just over Easter – our doctors and nurses, NHS staff, the police, the fire service and ambulance crews, our keyworkers and also everyone working away from home in our armed forces.

I wish everyone in the Moorlands a very happy and peaceful Easter.

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