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Professor Kevin Fenton, London regional director, Public Health England, writes: This week we have had the chance to see family and friends again outdoors in a group of six, or two households. The careful lifting of these restrictions has been possible thanks to the efforts of all Londoners in sticking to the rules up to now, helping bring infection rates down across the capital. But although we have made significant progress, the pandemic is far from over and the situation remains delicate. It, therefore, remains vital we do not get complacent and continue limiting transmission over the Easter holidays and beyond. That means sticking to the Rule of Six and avoiding the temptation to meet others in larger groups or indoor settings, as well as remembering the basics of Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air. ....
In Islington, many areas are frequently subject to NO2 concentrations above the level set by regulation in 2010 (40 µg/m3). Last week, Living Streets held its annual Walking Summit and concluded that far more needs to be done to reduce air pollution and that enabling walking with safer crossings, low traffic neighbourhoods and slower speeds are inclusive ways to achieve this aim. Already the current Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) requires pre Euro 4 petrol cars and pre Euro 6 diesel cars to pay a charge to drive in a zone bound by the Inner Ring Road. The extension to the North Circular Road in October will help further clean up our air. But given that many older people live in the outer suburbs, it should be extended to include outer London. ....
The deer in Dagnam Park Reserve. - Credit: Jan Sargent We will fight to protect land for deer A Romford resident, full name and address supplied, writes: Oh deer! Once again, Havering takes the surgeon’s knife to Harold Hill. It seems enough is NOT enough when it comes to the removal of much loved and used green space which has been a blessing to so many over the last year. It seems bursting-at-the-seams doctors’ surgeries are, in fact, not bursting at the seams and it seems, the deer population has a low cash value. That value is packaged up as a very important parcel of land off Priory Road and a pivotal crossing point for the many wild stags and does who use it to access from the Manor to the fields around Harold Hill, driving a diversity of wildlife that is enjoyed by all residents and visitors. ....
Unmesh Desai, London Assembly member, City & East London, writes: The chancellor must use his Budget announcement on March 3 to keep the £20 weekly uplift in Universal Credit payments. This has been a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community and the many thousands of Londoners who have lost their livelihoods during this pandemic. This is the very least the government can do to keep countless households from falling into poverty. Even with the extra £20, Universal Credit claimants are struggling to make ends meet. A recent study conducted by the Welfare at a Social Distance project has revealed that a significant number of new claimants have been unable to eat regularly or healthily, pay bills or put away a modest amount of money each month. ....
Readers letters Government is planning to scrap the Union Learning Fund - Credit: PA Campaign to save training fund before it is scrapped Paddy Lillis, Usdaw, general secretary, writes: Let’s stop the government scrapping the Union Learning Fund in England at the end of March. This unique scheme provides lifelong learning in many local workplaces, bringing together employers, education providers and trade unions to give workers a second chance at learning by contributing time, money and resources. Learning and reskilling will be core to helping us recover from the impact of Covid-19 and dealing with the changing world of work because of automation. ....