This being Christmas Eve and the season of goodwill, people in Brigg might like to reflect on the efforts of some unsung heroes of the community since the Coronavirus emergency began in late March 2020.
We often hear deserved praise for those involved in providing medical services and working in care homes, but let's also thank some others.
Essential Brigg shops, as defined by the government, have stayed open throughout the emergency, including those providing food and provisions.
We were reminded of this yesterday morning (Wednesday, December 23) when a 25-strong queue of customers waited patiently outside Steve Mundey's butcher's shop on Wrawby Street, not long after 9pm, despite the rain - many collecting pre-ordered items for the Christmas period. Only a couple of customers are allowed inside the shop at a time, due to the restrictions.
Brigg's so-called convenience shops have also stayed open during the period of the pandemic.
Even tomorrow (Christmas Day) help will be at hand if households suddenly discover that items are missing from cupboards, fridges or freezers. We note the OneStop Shop, on Atkinson Avenue, will be available to shoppers on December 25 from 10am to 3pm - providing a valuable service to the public. And not just those living on the Springbank estate.
We should also reflect on the contribution made by outdoor workers.
Brigg's 'posties' have taken to the streets in all weathers to make deliveries to households, including Christmas cards.
North Lincolnshire Council's binmen and women have faced a difficult year but have continued to call as directed by their management. Brown (garden waste) collections were curtailed for some time, but general waste and items for recycling have been taken away throughout.
We checked the council's recycling centre on the edge of the Old Courts Road car park yesterday - further to our recent post - and are pleased to report that the lid on the top of one of the bins has been left unlocked. This means you CAN deposit bags filled with cans in one go during this Christmas period of heightened demand, if you fill the household box provided.
Local bus drivers working for various companies have continued to provide public transport in and beyond the town during the virus emergency, as have our local taxi businesses.
PICTURED: Santa hats added to the raised flowerbed display beside the A18 on Wrawby Street.