A NEW information hub providing residents in Knutsford and Wilmslow with important information on coronavirus COVID-19 has been launched.

Cheshire East Council has launched the service to provide advice and updates on changes to council services as a result of the pandemic.

The authority is also launching ‘Cheshire East – People Helping People’ – a place for people to offer and request help.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of the council, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, members, volunteers and partners for the work they have done and will continue to do through this very challenging period.

Knutsford Guardian:

“We are working closely with the NHS and social care services to provide support to those who need it most.

"The latest announcement that schools will close from today has raised fresh challenges and we are working tirelessly so that we provide clarity to parents, schools and our staff.

“We are advising residents to remain vigilant. While many of our communities are coming together to help, there are also people who may seek to take advantage of this present situation.

“Support is therefore best offered through trusted service providers like Cheshire East Council’s ‘People Helping People’ service or within small groups or through local charitable organisations where the participants already know each other.

"Events are moving swiftly around the pandemic and advice on the council website cheshireeast.gov.uk will be updated regularly.”

Many people and organisations are keen to offer their help and support to others in these difficult times.

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Cheshire East has a relatively large proportion of people who are advised to self-isolate and may not be able to get out and about as they did before the outbreak.

‘People Helping People’ is a service that connects the people offering help to the people who need help.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of the council, said: “I would like to reassure our residents and local businesses that we are working daily with partner agencies to coordinate our efforts, particularly ensuring we are able to support those who may be struggling at this time.

Knutsford Guardian:

“The situation has potential impacts on each and every council service including social services, education, waste collection and libraries, to name just a few.

"This may result in us having to make changes to the way many of our services are delivered and we will continue to communicate any changes through our website and social media channels.

“Following the recent announcement of support from central government, we are in the process of putting in place measures to help those who may be struggling financially.

"Details of this and how to apply for temporary council tax or business rates relief can be found at cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19”

Keep up to date with the latest from CEC at the above website, or on the council's Twitter and Facebook pages.