MIKE HILL: We need to be treated equally when it comes to investment

Having, by and large, very sensibly dodged the bullet of so called “Super Saturday”, when even the local pubs saw the sense in not opening en masse, we celebrated the 72nd birthday of the NHS on Sunday as only Hartlepool folk can do.

We clapped on Sunday in celebration of the NHS and in appreciation of those who have kept us safe and well.

We must continue to think about those around us in our community who need extra help and assistance in these uncertain and dangerous times.

Frankly I’m not surprised by the sheer gusto and community spirit exhibited by folk during the lockdown, nor am I surprised that this has transcended into people’s attitude post lockdown.

Shielding for the most vulnerable may be ending this week officially but, unofficially, I know that the neighbourhood spirit, re-established under the pandemic, will mean that those in need will not go unsupported.

There have been few positives in the news over the last few months but the increase in community-focused activities has been deeply moving and impressive.

We have come so far. We have thankfully remained low in the region tables when it comes to COVID-related deaths, but let’s not forget, let us never ever forget, the scandal of COVID-carrying hospital patients being released into care homes on the order of a Government whose members were happy to promote flights to London from Teesside Airport this week.

Don’t get me wrong, the revival of flights to London from Teesside Airport are important and I welcome them wholeheartedly, as I do the future prospects of the place as a transport hub; but it means nothing economically to Hartlepool unless we are treated equally when it comes to investment, especially in new nuclear, freeports, green energy and tourism.

We have a fantastic future and good prospects around the corner with some big announcements on the cards.

Hopefully Mayor Houchen will be able to keep the faith.