THE Government has now eased more of the lockdown measures that have been in place for the past few months.

The changes are in line with the best scientific advice, with our Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty appropriately summarising the changes as necessary to finding a sustainable balance as we continue to live alongside the virus. This is the right approach. Our economy - which funds our vital public services - must get back on its feet and the lifting of these restrictions will be a big help.

The businesses in Central Devon that have opened up so far have been overwhelmingly responsible when it comes to putting safety measures in place to keep their customers and their staff safe and I would encourage everyone to shop locally as much as they can. Our small businesses need us now more than ever.

Despite this step forward we must understand that the virus has not gone away.

The number of new infections may be continuing to fall but we must remain vigilant.

If we do not, we risk the virus spreading again and the serious health and economic implications this would bring.

This means self-isolating if we experience symptoms, following social distancing rules and behaving responsibly regarding the freedoms we are slowly benefiting from again.

We must think of those at greatest risk if they were to catch the virus and play our part in making sure infection levels continue to fall.

Please also stay alert to fraudsters who are using the pandemic to target vulnerable people.

I recently issued an appeal with Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez on this issue because many types of fraud are sophisticated and seem very real.

If someone contacts you never give out your bank details and never give out details such as passwords of other accounts such as social media.

Only criminals will try to rush or panic you into parting with money or personal information. Scams can be reported by contacting Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting: www.actionfraud.police.uk .

Farewell to a National Treasure

When Dame Vera Lynn passed away recently we lost a national treasure.

In our digital age where technology allows military personnel and civilians alike to communicate instantly and easily with family and friends thousands of miles away, we cannot fully understand how difficult it must have been to have gone months or sometimes years without seeing or speaking to loved ones.

During those times of extraordinary difficulty and hardship, the Force’s Sweetheart brought hope and optimism to both our soldiers abroad and their families back home.

Her death is also a reminder that the brave generation that defeated fascism will not live forever and when, in another generation, we lose our last veterans of the Second World War we must ensure their bravery and sacrifices are never forgotten.

For more from Mel follow him on Twitter @MelJStride or visit: www.melstridemp.com .