SOME people might have been fooled into believing that the economic gloom that has shrouded the country for the past 18 months suddenly lifted yesterday.

Blaring headlines trumpeted: It’s Official — UK Out of Worst Ever Recession.

If only it were that simple.

The most optimistic person might take comfort in yesterday’s announcement that the UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent in the last quarter of 2009.

But they need then to look more closely and see that the ‘growth’ was actually less than was originally forecast, proving it is the weakest of foundations to build hopes and dreams on.

The recession will end and it is to be hoped that we are in a better place economically than 12 months ago.

Thankfully, many within Oxfordshire’s business community are realistic about prospects and are trying to take measures to protect themselves against any ‘double dip’ in the recession.

The real picture for the county will come more sharply into focus when cuts to public spending and jobs hit home after the General Election.

It will take a few more quarters of growth before anyone should feel safe to claim they have ridden out the economic storm.