Pendle News Room

“We know this is a very challenging time for all of us and want to reassure Pendle residents that we are doing all we can to protect public health and keep essential services running.

“Please try not to come into Council buildings unless it is essential, to help protect yourself and our staff. 

“You can access over 100 Pendle Council services  online via www.pendle.gov.uk/doitonline

“If it’s not essential, please do not come into our Contact Pendle Centre or come to any Council meetings if you are feeling unwell or if you belong to one of the groups, such as those aged 70 and over, who are more at risk,” he added.

“People who don’t have access to our online services are still welcome to call in to our Contact Pendle Centre or to phone us on 01282 661661,” he said.

Pendle Council’s website shows what help is available for individuals and businesses and how to get the latest health advice about the coronavirus www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus

“We are updating our website regularly with all the latest information as soon as we have it,” said Councillor Iqbal.

David Walker, Pendle Council’s Environmental Services Manager, warned anyone in Pendle who has the coronavirus, or who has symptoms of it, to take extra care in disposing of their waste.

“All waste from possible cases of the virus, such as disposable cloths and tissues used to clean areas, must be put in a plastic rubbish bag and double bagged.

“Double bagged rubbish must be stored for at least 72 hours before being put in the grey refuse bin for our collections crews,” he stressed.

Councillor Iqbal said:  “We have suspended pest control visits to homes and businesses.”

And the local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections planned for 2 May have been postponed for a year by the Government.

This means that Pendle Council will continue with 49 councillors until May 2021.

“Any changes to Pendle Council services are being flagged up on our website  www.pendle.gov.uk/disruptions and we have emergency plans in place to keep essential services running,” he said.

The website flags up support for those who could be hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak including individuals and local businesses.

There is a national new £500 million Hardship Fund to help support economically vulnerable people and families.

Most of this funding will be used to provide more Council Tax relief, either through our existing Local Council Tax Support Scheme, or another similar method.

Local businesses are also being urged to check Pendle Council’s website which includes the latest news on support packages.

These include 100% discount on Business Rate relief for properties below £51,000 rateable value.

And this Business Rates relief is expanding to include the leisure and hospitality sectors.

New legislation will allow small and medium-sized businesses and employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for sickness absence due to COVID-19 

Deputy Leader, Councillor David Whipp said:

“Our advice is to keep checking and following the latest health advice and news of support and updates on services via our website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus  and www.pendle.gov.uk/disruptions

“We are stepping up to the coronavirus challenge and together we can all make a difference.  

“Ring elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours to see if they need help, whilst following NHS and Government health advice to keep you safe,” he added.

“And you can do your bit by donating to local foodbanks to help vulnerable people and families,” said Councillor Whipp.

“If you need help, such as with shopping, only allow trusted people and reputable organisations to support you,” he warned.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, Leader of the Conservative Group said:

“We’re passing on reminders to shop responsibly and don’t overstock.  

“Stockpiling means that others are having to do without essential items,” he stated.