It is vital we support our local businesses from the word go and I am sure we all will do as much as possible, while maintaining social distancing under the current guidelines.
The Prime Minister gave the go-ahead to lift this next set of restrictions following the successful continuation of the vaccine deployment programme, reducing hospitalisations, no surge in infection rates and no new variants of concern.
We need to keep sticking to the guidelines to ensure the next stage of restriction relaxation – the ability to enjoy visits to other people’s homes and to get our restaurants, pubs and cafes fully open again.
Thank-you to each and every person who has done so to help reduce the spread of this dreadful virus.
The Recovery Loan Scheme has opened for applications this week; this new scheme, administered by the British Business Bank on behalf of the Government, has been put in place to support access to finance for UK businesses as they recover and grow following the pandemic.
The scheme will support borrowing of up to £10m for individual businesses and up to £30m across a group. The funds can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including managing cashflow, growth and investment. The scheme is designed to appeal to businesses that can afford to take out additional finance for these purposes. The British Business Bank can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.
I have written to Lancashire County and Fylde Councils regarding the dreadful state of Cropper Road in Westby. I walked the length of the road with Coun Bobby Rigby to note the poor surface and unfinished pavement areas – all must be made safe for drivers and pedestrians as quickly as possible.
I’m pleased to see a further £81,567 announced in Fylde to support cultural and heritage organisations, and independent cinemas. This funding will help organisations until they are allowed to open up again in the coming weeks.