The leader of Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that the 'end really is in sight' as he revealed the route away from shutdown.

It's been a long 12 months for many up and down the country including Hitchin and north Herts, but the PM's announcement regarding a four step plan to exit lockdown has been met with agreement by council boss David Williams.

Speaking after the statement made by the Prime Minster in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon councillor Williams, welcomed the plans to lift Covid restrictions over the coming months.

"The government's roadmap as outlined by the Prime Minister heralds a clear turning point in the fight against Covid," he said, adding: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone across the county who has played their part to help get the virus under control.

Councillor Williams explained that the opening of all nurseries, schools and colleges from Monday, March 8 is the important first step along the road to recovery.

He continued that he would like to issue his reassurance that the county council is already in discussion with school leadership teams across the county to manage the return of all students and teaching staff to face-to-face learning safely.

"However," he cautioned, "as we look ahead with a hope for a return to normality, it is important that we do not let our guard down and become complacent.

"We must all continue to adhere to the guidelines to stay at home until Monday March 29, and follow the mantra of hands, face, space, in order to reduce the number of cases in the county further."

The provision of free rapid testing across the county for those without symptoms will continue to play an important role as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Councillor Williams urged everyone who has to be out in the community for essential reasons - even if you have already received the vaccine: "To get tested regularly to stop the spread of the virus as we take the final steps towards resuming our normal lives."

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