Coronavirus: Wednesday’s Local Updates

Harborough’s MP has been speaking to Hfm as Boris Johnson spends a second day in intensive care being treated for Coronavirus.

Neil O’Brien has known the Prime Minister for many years and is wishing him a speedy recovery:

 

Harborough Council says it’s working hard to get cash to local businesses that are entitled to support through the government’s Small Business Grant Fund.

£19m will be handed out in total to around 1,500 businesses across the District.

Since the scheme went live last week over £6m has been paid to over 300 firms, who’ve received grants of £25,000 or £10,000.

Revenue and Benefits staff worked throughout last weekend to continue contacting businesses so payments can be arranged.

The Council says it recognises how urgent and vital the grants are and is working as fast as possible to issue them

Leader Phil King spoke to Hfm:

 

 

The Learn Academies Trust – of which several local primary schools are part of – is praising staff, pupils and parents for the way they are coping at this current challenging time.

Trust Leader Stef Edwards told Hfm staff continue to work hard to accommodate children of key-workers, who are still going to school:

 

Schools belonging to the trust are: Blaby Stokes CE primary, Church Langton CE primary, Great Bowden Academy, Husbands Bosworth CE primary, Lubenham All Saints CE primary, Market Harborough CE primary, Meadowdale primary, Red Hill Fields primary, Ridgeway Primary Academy and St Andrews CE primary, North Kilworth.

Hear more from Stef HERE

Digital library services across Leicestershire are in demand during the coronavirus lockdown with libraries currently closed.

There’s been a 35% in eBook loans, and eAudiobooks’ users have gone up by 20%.

The County Council is now adding around 700 new titles to its on-line collections for adults and children to access.

Councillor Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “It’s very important that we stay safe and stay at home to protect others and the NHS.

“It’s easy to join the library online and start accessing the digital service straight away. I would encourage anyone to find out more. That could be a new member or those people who had visited a library but hadn’t signed up for the digital offer.”

To start using the digital library, visit:  www.leicestershire.gov.uk/digital-library