Steven Broomhead is chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and writes a regular column

AS we move towards the next stage in the Covid road map, one major consideration is the “return to the workplace”.

This goes alongside hugging loved ones and perhaps even caressing a pint inside the pub. I will be raising a glass to the vaccine rollout programme which has been nationally resourced and designed but crucially, locally organised and delivered.

Localism is the best form of delivery.

For many of us, we have already “returned” or have never been away from our workplaces.

In the service sector which is very significant in our local economy, there are discussions taking place to inform decisions about what, when and how re-opening will happen. Common themes are ensuring that Covid secure arrangements remain in place and worker confidence is paramount. It is all about risk management.

The dominant view seems to be in favour of 'hybrid working' with some days in the office and some at home.

Covid has had a major impact of how and where we work. The shift to homeworking has been significant but not without challenges.

Even the founder of Zoom had indicated 'he’s had enough' as a result of Covid fatigue and too many continuous Zoom calls. As a result, his employees will return to the office for two to three days per week.

Video meetings that occur in succession can lead to fatigue, square eyes and numb bottoms as I know. It can also cause increased tiredness caused by excessive eye contact, the repeated effects of seeing yourself in real time and a lack of mobility. Remote meetings and worker isolation does not generate team spirits, innovation and new ideas.

One video event that didn’t produce tiredness was the recent Warrington Guardian Lockdown Hero Awards. It demonstrated the cheerful coping resilience of our town, innovation and a great community spirit.

Dr Hilary was very authentic in his sincerity for the shortlisted and eventual winners.

Last week saw our Elections for the borough council, parish and police and crime commissioner for Cheshire.

For the borough there will be 26 out of 58 new members bringing their fresh ideas, policies and different expectations.

I’m sure that our strong momentum as a town socially, environmentally and economically will be enriched by these new arrivals.

With Covid on the retreat, a cautious approach to social mixing and the Wire inspired by GI Power one step from Wembley our great town can look forward to a positive future and new ambition.