So much for June 21 being Co-VE Day, marking our final liberation from lockdown. Councils are continuing to recruit Covid marshals on contracts stretching into 2023. Hertfordshire is spending £3 million hiring 60 Warden Hodges wannabes to patrol the streets from July 1 to January 31 next year, with the prospect of a one-year extension. Other local authorities, from Northumberland to Cornwall, are planning to employ marshals beyond the summer. The Government is making an extra £400 million available to 'manage local outbreaks' and spend on so-called Covid-secure 'improvements' to town centres. Stand by for more mad pavement widening schemes and cycle lanes. So much for June 21 being Co-VE Day, marking our final liberation from lockdown. Councils are continuing to recruit Covid marshals on contracts stretching into 2023