THE start of July 2021 saw the proposal to end free town centre parking cause a rift in the town hall.

Free parking was initially set to end in mid-November 2020, but it was then extended until June 2021 in line with stage four of the Covid roadmap being introduced.

The decision was opposed by Labour councillors, who believed the decision had been made ‘without the full facts’.

The free parking eventually came to an end on July 19, after nine years in operation.

July was also a month that highlighted the community spirit of a carers’ friends.

Colleagues of care worker Zoe Lester banded together to create a fundraiser after she was diagnosed with bone cancer, liver cancer and leukaemia.

Close friend and colleague Julie Mather set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help with things like bills and rent as Zoe was off work.

When she found out about the fundraiser she was taken aback and didn’t believe that she deserved the money.

Zoe said at the time: “It makes a huge difference and it goes to show how many people care.

“The support has been amazing, I’m still here to tell the tale, if it gives hope to other people then I’ll share my story.”

August:

Council bosses offered support to 22 travel agents following months of financial difficulty during the previous lockdown, as well as fresh concerns over the red and amber travel list.

In total travel agents in the borough received £133,000, but there was still a lot of uncertainty surrounding foreign holidays, which resulted in cancellations.

Jackie Griffin, retail director for Althams, said at the time: “Obviously the travel industry has really struggled and it’s been particularly tough for travel agents. We are not actually able to take any money until holidays go ahead, so we are in one of the worst situations in the industry.”

The end of August saw thousands celebrate the star-studded food and drink festival, with French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Coronation Street star Alan Halsall making a special appearance.

The event was also filled with street entertainment, and different stalls, including a book of poems penned by the mayor.