From the Editor - Don’t let efforts go to waste … it is school holidays after all

There was a queue to get into Ponds Forge for its grand reopening yesterday and some people were even happy to turn up a couple of hours in advance, eager to get through those doors.

Thank goodness there was a change of heart from those at the top to make sure this gem in Sheffield’s sporting crown is back for everyone in the city to use.

One of the best things about living in a big city is being able to capitalise on the brilliant attractions.

Our emotional well-being is inextricably linked to our physical health and it is well known that exercise, while not always seeming attractive, makes us feel better. So those families whose children have not been able to swim or dive since March were understandably over the moon yesterday.

Hats off to them for their successful campaign, working alongside The Star, to make the council see the error of its ways in keeping those all important doors locked.

It is wonderful when politicians listen and, after all, they are there to represent us all no matter how you prefer to keep fit.

Please remember that Ponds Forge is just another example of a wonderful Sheffield venue that is open for business and needs support. If the weather continues to be damp and grey than there are plenty of places to take children which will not only entertain but also educate.

We are in day two of the school holidays and day four of tier three, but that doesn’t mean families can’t go out and safely have some fun.

I have been astounded over the last couple of days at the lengths our venues are going to in order to make sure you can visit safely.

But don’t stay home and take my word for it. If you can safely go out then do, and say a word of thanks to the many teams working in unusual ways on our behalf.

If we all stay at home, their efforts are wasted and Sheffield can’t afford for that to happen.

Don’t take risks and always follow the guidelines but please do what you can to keep your spirits up and support our city.

A lot is out of our hands but there is much more which we can all have a huge impact on … if we just think carefully where we choose to spend our money.