Coronavirus: Tuesday’s Local Updates
Written by HFM News on 5th May 2020
Bin collections continue as normal
Harborough Council is calling on the government to give it more cash to cope with the impact of Coronavirus.
It’s already been handed just over £960,000 of emergency funding, although Council Leader Phil King says much more is needed, as the hit on authority’s finances will be in the multi-millions of pounds.
The Council has seen a big reduction in income since the outbreak began, including from parking charges, which have been halted, and trade waste collections, which haven’t been needed due to many businesses being shut.
At the same time, it continues to provide all its services as normal, including bin collections, and has also spend money setting up and running a Community Hub, to help vulnerable residents across the District, as well as supporting businesses.
Harborough has received less compared with some other Councils in Leicestershire and Cllr King has now written to all of the area’s MPs, pleading with them to lobby Government for more money.
Cllr King spoke to Hfm:
Harborough Council does not run local waste and recycling sites, or libraries and museums which are currently closed – these are run by Leicestershire County Council.
The initial payment is a share of £1.6bn handed out by the government across the country – Leicestershire County Council has received £15m.
A charity wants to recognise unsung heroes who are going out of their way to help others during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Leicestershire Cares is encouraging nominations for people working for the NHS, emergency services and care sector locally, through to community volunteers and shop assistants.
Those selected in the #TogetherWeCare scheme will be recognised with a special certificate – to nominate someone, click HERE
An army of volunteers are supporting people self-isolating in and around Desborough.
Desborough Community Emergency Deliveries now has over 50 people helping get essential medication and food supplies to those who need them.
One of the volunteers makes a delivery in Desborough
Some volunteers are also providing telephone support to residents, who just want a friendly voice to talk to.
Jean Read is one of those who launched the group and told Hfm its work is being really appreciated:
To contact the group for help & support, call 01536 233707, 07970 733946 or 07762 722074.
