The Lancashire Resilience Forum (LRF) – a multi-agency partnership leading Lancashire's response to Covid-19 – has taken a significant step as the county moves into the recovery phase of the pandemic.
The LRF is made up of various representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities and the NHS.
As lockdown restrictions ease across the county, the LRF is to formally move from its emergency response to a recovery phase.
As part of the change, Angie Ridgwell, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, will stand down as chair of the LRF, handing the reins to Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Angie said: "The decision to stand down the emergency response to Covid and formally move to a recovery phase reflects the monumental efforts of all Lancashire residents, businesses and partners to suppress the virus by following the guidance, respecting the restrictions and getting vaccinated when called.
"It has been a huge privilege to chair the Lancashire Resilience Forum during this difficult time, which has truly brought out the best of people.
"I would like to thank all of our residents for playing their part, as well as our LRF partners for their support during these extraordinary times.
"I know Denise Park will continue this important work as Lancashire looks ahead to a post-pandemic future."
As part of the move, the LRF's Strategic Coordinating Group will pass the mantle to the Recovery Coordination Group.
This new group will ensure partners continue to work together using common intelligence and respond to any issues that materialise in respect of the pandemic.
Denise Park said: "While there will undoubtedly be many challenges in the months ahead, there is much to be hopeful for as we look towards the future.
"And while we consider that it is the right time to move from response to recovery, the situation remains extremely serious.
"It is therefore crucial that people continue to follow the rules, especially as restrictions start to ease across the county, and help avoid another surge in cases.
"The positive partnership working that has gone on throughout the pandemic will continue in the new arrangements as the pandemic has shown ups that Lancashire is at its best when we all work together."
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