I WAS disappointed and concerned to read a recent statement from the council leader that “Tendring having a high death rate is simply a statistical reflection of the nature of our population demographics, and when the underlying age and health profiles of our residents are weighed against the figures, we come out very well” (Gazette, August 5, “Tendring’s virus death rate worst in the UK...”).

This sounds very defensive and will be of no consolation to friends and families of those who were lost or those developing long Covid symptoms.

Of greatest concern is the denial of an opportunity to learn any lessons or to address the deep health and social inequalities within our area which requires a multi-agency, long-term strategy as soon as possible.

Some of the learning may be painful, but will be essential.

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Questions such as could more have been done about many taxi drivers in Clacton without masks and other recommended safety measures when Tendring licensed these vehicles?

I also wonder if a local publicly-available register of landlords responsible for houses in multiple occupation may have facilitated more support and information/guidance for these vulnerable groups?

Finally we must not forget what all our essential workers did to keep us safer and look after so many people in such difficult times.

Ian Lennard

Clacton