Council recruits an ASTRONAUT to remind people to 'make space' and keep their distance in Milton Keynes

An astronaut called Commander Neil Armslength is the latest weapon in MK Council's campaign to beat Covid.
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The spaceman will be touring the city and people are being encouraged to share sightings online under the tag #makespace on the council's special SpaceBook and Twitter accounts.

The Make Space campaign coincides with the end of lockdown and MK’s move to tier 2 restrictions.

Many businesses will reopen their doors from today and shoppers are expected to return to the city centre, high streets and local centres. MK residents are now also allowed to meet up to six others from different households, so long as they are outside.

Commander Armslength at the Dons stadiumCommander Armslength at the Dons stadium
Commander Armslength at the Dons stadium

The council is hoping its ‘out of this world’ Covid prevention campaign will catch the attention of residents and visitors to the city and remind them to stay a couple of metres apart.

A spokesman said: "Local astronaut Commander Neil Armslength has been exploring the city, reminding people to follow national guidance when they’re out and about. MK Council is asking people to make space in busy destinations in the run-up to Christmas, whether that’s by taking a few small steps or one giant leap away from others."

The campaign will appear across Milton Keynes from today, 2 December on outdoor advertising, banners, bus shelters, digital displays, radio advertising and social media

Council leader Pete Marland said: “I want to thank everyone for their sacrifices during the lockdown. We’re finally starting to see the number of local Covid-19 cases reduce although 385 people tested positive in MK in the last week. It’s important we don’t undo all that effort. Nobody is over the moon about restrictions, but we must keep our number of cases going down and staying down."

Commander Neil ArmslengthCommander Neil Armslength
Commander Neil Armslength

He added: “We’re not expecting anyone to invest in a space helmet, but we do ask everyone to wear a mask in shops and public spaces, follow guidance such as one-way systems, and of course to make space.”