Government, leaders and voluntary services have joined hands to announce imminent plans for a hub in Hyndburn.

David Welsby, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Borough Council

The announcement comes after Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed councils will be granted a budget to serve their communities via a network of hubs. The hubs will facilitate essential supplies, to be distributed amongst those who need it the most.

1.5 million individuals in the UK have been identified as needing to stay indoors and isolate for 12 weeks. Letters will be received in the coming days to these individuals with additional guidelines and information.

David Welsby, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Borough Council said:

“I am pleased to confirm I have taken immediate action and set up a critical incident team to serve our borough. The team will work alongside our existing community voluntary sector to harness our collective powers, with the aim of distributing essential supplies via a Hub in Hyndburn. This service will take care of our most vulnerable residents in this difficult time.

I would like to offer my appreciation to those obeying the social distancing guidelines and reinforce the message that although it is incredibly difficult, the sooner we take strict action the quicker we can slow the spread of the disease.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, added:

“We all send our condolences to the family and friends of Bill Smith from Great Harwood, who sadly passed away today due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a nation we are aware the situation will worsen and the key to tackling this lies with each individual community.

I encourage all individuals who wish to volunteer or can assist as a business with our efforts to track the official Hyndburn Borough Council social media feeds and website. This is where key information will first be released, in partnership with Great Harwood based organisation, C.V.S.”

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn said:

“The ability to facilitate a Hyndburn Hub has come directly from Downing Street to be delivered at the doors of individuals in Hyndburn. I would like to reassure our community that everyone is working incredibly hard and in harmony to serve and protect residents in this difficult time.”

Hyndburn Borough Council urge residents to follow these channels that will be put in place, rather than contacting individuals or organisations directly with interest in getting involved with the Hyndburn Hub.