Covid-19: 1,000 deaths in Cumbria
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics confirm that more than 1,000 Cumbrians have now died within 28 days of a positive test for COVID-19. The sobering news comes as new infections continue to fall but hospitals remain under intense pressure.
ONS data shows 1,066 deaths up to week ending 22 January, with a new high of 95 COVID-19 deaths during that week. As a result of current lockdown restrictions, new infections continued to fall in the week ending 29 January, but more than 1,300 people in the county tested positive in that week
All Cumbria’s hospitals continue to treat unprecedented numbers of patients with COVID-19, with high numbers seriously ill or requiring intensive care.
Our tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore
Earlier this week we joined many other local councils and Government departments in flying the flags at Allerdale House (our head office) half-mast as a mark of respect to Captain Sir Tom Moore who sadly died on Tuesday. Our thoughts continue to be with his family.
Sir Tom was a beacon of hope who lifted the nation when we needed it most and inspired people all over the world.
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£50m Covid-19 grants to local businesses
Our business grants team has paid out over £13m of government grants to local businesses in recent weeks to support them through the coronavirus restrictions.
This is in addition to £37m which the team paid out last summer which brings the total grant funding to Allerdale’s business community in response to the current pandemic to over £50m.
The figure, which is for the period up to 29 January 2021, includes £2.9m to eligible businesses that have been told to close since January 5 as a result of the introduction of the national lockdown, and an additional £5.8m in a one-off payment to the retail, leisure and hospitality sector.
More details on all the grants available, how they are being paid, and details of how to apply can be found on our website by clicking the below link.
New business forums to launch
Businesses in Workington and Wigton are being encouraged to come forward and find out more about joining new forums for local firms.
Following an initial call for businesses to come forward, the council has received sufficient interest to take the idea forward.
The first meeting of the Workington group will take place on Thursday, February 11 at 2pm and the Wigton group will host an initial meeting on Friday, February 12 at 2pm. Any businesses who’ve not already got in touch with the council about the groups should contact toni.magean@allerdale.gov.uk to register to be part of the meetings.
Once established, the new groups will be independent of the council, will be chaired from someone within that local business community and focus on representing the concerns of firms, providing a networking forum, developing joint initiatives, supporting recovery from Covid-19 and working with other organisations such as the council.
A total of £1,000 will be available for each group to help it get established, for example to develop a website and deliver promotional initiatives.
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Time running out to save on energy bills
The Big Allerdale Switch - part of the national Big Community Switch initiative - is a free and easy way to save money on your energy bills and enjoy a warmer home, whether you are on dual-fuel, separate supplier contracts or a pre-payment meter.
By coming together as a group, you could get a better deal - and all the hard work is done for you.
All you need to do, is register on the Big Allerdale Switch website. Registration is open and you are able to sign up now - but hurry the deadline is Tuesday, February 9.
Since we began the scheme, residents who have used the Big Allerdale Switch have together saved more than £250,000. In previous auctions householders in Allerdale have saved an average of £300 on their annual energy costs.
Energy suppliers will be invited to bid against each other in an auction to find their best deal. You will then be told how much you could save if you choose to switch, although you are under no obligation to do so.
Who are you giving your unwanted items to?
Did you know that anyone transporting waste must have a valid waste carriers permit and they must also provide a waste transfer note which proves that the waste has been transported and disposed of legally?
We all have a duty of care to ensure that our rubbish is passed on to an authorised person so that it can be disposed of safely. By doing this you can play your part in stopping fly-tipping in our communities.
Permits are granted by the Environment Agency and you can search for local permit holders on their website.
Please dispose of your waste properly - take it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre, request a bulky waste collection from us, use your kerbside recycling collections if appropriate or use an approved waste carrier.
Latest job vacancy
Allerdale Waste Services are recruiting! They currently have a vacancy for an MOT tester/mechanic based at the depot in Workington.
If you’re a fully qualified Class 4 & 7 MOT tester, who holds a level 2 or 3 in light or heavy vehicle maintenance and repair, with at least 1 years’ MOT testing experience, then they'd like to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is 18 February 2021
Children's Mental Health Week
We all have mental health, whether we are 2, 10, 16, 47 or 83! As a family – parents, carers, sibling grandparents – we play an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings.
Positive emotional health not only prevents mental ill health but also allows children to enjoy life, believe in their abilities and cope with life’s ups and downs.
This week (ending February 7) has been Children's Mental Health Week and organisers Place2Be have a great deal of resources on their website to help support you and your family. Click the link below to find out more.
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