'Good riddance to 2020' says our Mayor of Milton Keynes as he predicts brighter times lay ahead

Cllr Geary looked back at the year dogged by Covid-19 and admitted:"it’s a year that most of us are looking forward to saying 'Good riddance' to. "

But he said there had been silver linings around very dark clouds throughout the year, particularly in the city's show of community spirit.

"Whilst 2020 may not finish where we would have liked, I hope we can all mark this New Year's celebration as a turning point...The first half of 2021 will undoubtedly have its challenges. Who knows what’s in store for individuals, for families, and for us in our mayoral year? Whatever this next year is to bring, I look forward to meeting many more inspirational people both virtually and, I hope as time progresses, in person as well.

"And whilst Tier 4 restrictions look set to remain for the foreseeable future there is only one way to go from here, and that’s up."

Cllr Geary added: "Observing the rules and the guidance are the way to stay as safe as we can, and to keep those around us safe, until such times as the vaccine is more widely available. But it’s clear now that vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic... The commencement of the vaccinations and the news of a second vaccine coming on stream yesterday give us fresh hope and optimism as we move from 2020 into 2021."

He looked back on the beginning of December, when MK was in Tier two and " things looked to be progressing in the right direction".

"And then... the new strain of the virus is discovered, positive cases and hospital admissions spiral and MK moves from Tier 2 to Tier 4 in 48 hours. And there we remain at the end of the year, with positive cases and hospital patients still at an all time high. But the commencement of vaccination for NHS staff and over 80’s begins bringing new hope and optimism.

"It’s not the end that we either wanted or seemed to be heading towards even a month ago. For the most part MK had been lower than our neighbours and had been leading the way nationally. Now sadly we’re at the other end of the scale.

"But brighter times undoubtedly lay ahead... Let’s hope that 2021 brings many more highs, a lot less lows and much more peace and joy for all of us. That Great British grit and determination, that positive attitude and perhaps above all that great sense of humour that have upheld and sustained us in 2020 now takes us forward with optimism for 2021... To you all, a very happy and better new year. Stay safe and well."

Cllr Geary summed up the city's mood with a verse from his favourite carol, written by 19th century poet and hymn writer Edmund Sears:

'And ye who’s journey now is long, who’s forms are bending low

Who toil along the rocky path with painful steps and slow.

Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing

Oh rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.'