Town Mayor councillor Robert Inwood has issued a Christmas message to the people of Royston following a turbulent year.

In what has been an almost unbearably difficult year for some of our community members, I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you, your families and friends a safe and happy festive season.

Not many of us could have imagined at the start of 2020 just how tough this year was going to be but I am immensely proud to see how the people of Royston have reacted.

I want to thank our NHS staff, key-workers and volunteers who continue to work so hard to keep us going as we move in and out of restrictions.

Thank you to all of Royston’s residents who have made sacrifices this year, adhering to the rules in the hope that we can get through the pandemic safely and move on to brighter times ahead.

To all those of you who have been there for another, a family member, friend or neighbour – the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference to someone who is struggling during isolation.

Since restrictions eased in July, I have been fortunate to be able to visit local charities, organisations and businesses, while of course following strict social distancing guidelines and I hope to visit many more before the end of my term in May.

We are lucky in Royston to have a variety of options when it comes to shopping local. The Royston Market has been a lifeline for many in our community and continued to trade through both lockdowns.

Our essential retailers kept going, also working tirelessly throughout. It truly felt like a milestone had been reached as other traders, retailers and hospitality in the town were allowed to open and tentatively start re-building again.

I will always champion our local businesses, big or small and advocate for all of you as you negotiate through these very uncertain times.

As we look forward to the festivities, I would urge you all to continue to follow the guidelines to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe and healthy as we approach what we hope will be a turning point in the course of the COVID-19 outbreak.

For some, the grief and loneliness of this year will be heightened at this time and I wish you comfort and hope for happier times ahead.

Together we are stronger and if we can continue to demonstrate the compassion and spirit shown by our community throughout this turbulent year, I’m hopeful that 2021 will be a more prosperous and happy year for many of us.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.