A BOROUGH'S coronavirus help hub has announced it is stepping up its work following the announcement of the new lockdown.

Burnley Council's leader Cllr Mark Townsend said its work was now 'more vital than ever'.

The Burnley Together community hub was created early in the Covid pandemic by partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Cllr Townsend said: "Now, more than ever, with the latest national lockdown and rising cases of infection and deaths, the work of Burnley Together is essential.

“Ever since it was launched, Burnley Together has provided a lifeline to those who find themselves in the direst of circumstances because of Covid, particularly the elderly and others who are clinically vulnerable and most at risk from the virus.

“There is a new urgency and dedication among the hard-working staff who run the community hub to continue to provide help and support until we start to beat this virus and our lives can get back to something approaching normality.”

The hub provides a 'one-stop shop' with a dedicated helpline on 01282 686402 from 9am to 5pm.

Services provided include obtaining food parcels, help with shopping, meals on wheels, dog walking, collecting prescriptions, dealing with social isolation and loneliness, financial and debt advice and housing advice.