It is dividing opinion in neighbourhoods, in offices, even across the cabinet table.

From July 24 you will have to wear a mask in shops, or risk a £100 fine.

Not only that but today the Health Secretary said that wearing face masks in shops and on public transport could remain in place until next summer.

For one resident of Midsomer Norton, who is also the administrative owner of a leading community page, the idea is not only impractical, it is unnecessary and she says she will not wear a mask for fear of her own health.

Vickie Selway puts across her passionately held view:

I am extremely upset at the idea that I have to wear a mask. My main reason is purely one of freedom to choose. I always think of life as we are all born equal even the Queen in that we own this planet equally, therefore a few 'rights' are purely God given. Not to cover my face, especially my mouth and nose, is one of them.

That's not to say as a reasonable and caring human being - I would mind doing this if indeed it would mean saving lives. But I will not START to cover my face over four months into a pandemic when I truly believe that it is virtually gone.

I will not do it as requested ONLY on public transport, or in a shop, because I do not have to do it in a pub or office.

As with the majority of rules and the timing of them, with this government during this pandemic, this makes no sense.

The science from our own government from day one reported that masks are pointless. Bordering on actually being a risk to healthy individuals. They told us that the virus can enter through our eyes, do we need blindfolds next?

They are now saying that masks slow the spread and that if I enter a shop for five minutes I will have to wear one, even a homemade scrap of T shirt material is being recommended, yet a shop worker serving hundreds of people throughout an eight hour shift does not have to.

I fully believe the government and media have terrified people to the point that they are now refusing to believe it is safe out here and will not leave home, shop or go back to work. Shielding ends on August 1st officially, along with prescription and shopping deliveries.

My second reason for not wearing one is because I have multiple health complications, including anxiety and probable BPD which means I struggle to contain my emotions. The thought of being masked, is particularly agitating me. I do not like the dentist because it involves my mouth. I watched my Nan die of Pulmonary Fibrosis and I catch my breath when watching movies which involve the face and suffocation.

I cannot wear a mask.

I think it is an assault on our human rights, to remove the right to breathe fresh air and on health grounds I will not comply.