Leighton-Linslade Town Council and CBC prepare to mark one-year anniversary of first Covid-19 lockdown

The councils are encouraging townsfolk to support a one minute silence tomorrow (March 23) at midday, and to light up their doorsteps tomorrow evening as a vigil to remember all those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

The idea was initiated by the charity Marie Curie and has received backing from Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Leighton-Linslade Town Councillor Steve Jones, Leader of the Council, said: “The past year has been difficult for everyone. Some have lost loved ones, some have had to deal with illness and everyone has had to deal with new ways of living and working. It has been particularly hard for the vulnerable, health and social care workers, key workers and for businesses. I would like to pay tribute to our council staff and members who have managed to keep the functions of the council going despite the challenges that Covid-19 has presented.

"Like many, we have had to come to terms with remote meetings and home working. Naturally, some of the schemes and events we had planned have been put on hold but we have gone ahead with some, for example the outdoor table tennis tables.

"However, our parks and open spaces have maintained their high standards which has allowed opportunities for outdoor exercise and alternative ways of delivering events such as Remembrance Sunday and the Mayor’s Carol Concert have been found. Tactic has continued their work with young people, we have supported the voluntary groups dealing with the pandemic when possible and given out over £70,000 in Grants to outside organisations.

"The market has continued to operate when government restrictions allowed. Once again, without the immense dedication of our staff this would not have been possible and my heartfelt thanks go out to them. Let us now look forward to the coming year in the hope that some form of normality will return and the work of the Council can resume in earnest.”

The town council has two social media posts scheduled to go out tomorrow – one in the morning reminding people about the minute’s silence at midday, and one in the evening showing the White House lit up, and reminding people to mark the occasion with lights and torches on their doorsteps.

Councillors and officers will be participating and observing at home.

Meanwhile, a Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman told the LBO: "We’ll be supporting the minute silence at 12 noon and encouraging staff and residents along the lines of the Marie-Curie guidance on their website (so reflect at 12; reach out to others and support by shining a light at 8pm)."