AS we approach, hopefully, in the next few weeks a return to some form of normality from this terrible coronavirus that has impacted on probably every family's lives in some way, it may be competent to mention the work that has been selflessly done by the many faceless people who have given up their time to volunteer and help the less fortunate among among us and who may not seek any attention for their efforts.

I am not an emotional person (typical Lo'Gelly lad!) but the day the volunteers came round our street in fancy dress ringing the bell and collecting foodstuff and donations for those who are struggling at this time, illustrated just how fortunate we are in Lochgelly and surrounding towns and hamlets, to have visibly a core of people and business people who were prepared to give up their time for whatever cause may be wanting.

So to everyone seen and unseen, thanks a bundle.

On a lighter and less serious note, I have, like many of you, been locked down with my wife in our enforced conversations. I just found out that she doesn't work at the Jeltek factory anymore and that it is shut down!

Also, like many readers, I have two grandchildren who I cannot touch or cuddle. I see them through the window or over the fence as they only stay a few doors away literally.

While I have completed almost 90 per cent of my life in this world (statistically) and was fortunate enough to have worked most of my working life in an industry that had a final salary pension scheme which allows me to exist without seeking any financial help from the Government, I worry now what the future will be like for the likes of my grandsons, either socially or politically.

I fear for the probable steps that will enforced on the working class to enable repayments of the billions of pounds borrowed during this present crisis.

The previous 10 years of austerity as a result of the financial crash will, I believe, be peanuts compared to what will be enacted and imposed in a short while, not only to pay for the present debts but to pay for the financial implications resulting in the withdrawal from the EU and the potential trade deals with the USA and other countries.

Do not think or believe for one moment that the burden will be shouldered by everyone, the rich will still be rich and get richer, and the poor will be still poor and get poorer.

The billionaires will continue to have their billions tucked away in their offshore tax havens and will pay little or no tax on earnings and profits the working class have made for them.

When I try to find appropriate words to describe these people and companies I come up with hypocrisy, deceit, lies, greed, vested interest.

We will continue to have food banks, children starving, attacks on the sick and elderly, crumbling infrastructure, lack of investment in schools, education, welfare etc, etc.

So when you clap your hands on Thursday for the NHS and other workers please remember and picture the politicians, mostly Tories, who won a vote in the House of Commons to reject an above inflation rise for nurses and other health care workers. Did I mention hypocrisy. Take care and staff safe.

ARCHIE LOWE,

Johnston Crescent,

Lochgelly.