Cash for communities in Covid-19 crisis

The special crisis fund is now available in the ward of Devonshire West and we would encourage groups which are providing vital services that help local residents to apply.

Some of these activities may include providing food to local residents, help people to stay in touch with each other so not to become lonely or offering delivery services to those who are unable to leave their home.

A spokesperson said, “If you are involved with a local community project that benefits residents in the Devonshire West area and meet the criteria shown in the guidance then you would be invited to apply for a funding grant of up to £3,000.

“This is a rolling programme to help our local community deal with the current crisis and the board members are regularly meeting online to discuss funding bids so decisions can be made within two to three weeks.”

For help completing forms, call Sue on 07378 972277.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

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But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.