Welcome to Duddon Parish Council

COUNCIL SERVICES OVER CHRISTMAS

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is reminding residents that they can still access council services and receive emergency help with homelessness over the festive season.

The council’s Reception at Kendal Town Hall will be closed between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but residents can get in touch via email at customer.services@southlakeland.gov.uk

Telephone lines will be open from 9.30am to 4pm each day – 01539 733333 - with the exception of Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Bank Holidays. Anyone who needs urgent help outside office hours can find emergency contact numbers on the SLDC website.

The council’s Housing Options Team is urging anyone threatened with homelessness this Christmas to get in touch as soon as possible so that staff can offer advice and support before the situation worsens.

Meanwhile, customers are being reminded to check their bin collection calendars for changes to their usual schedule over the festive season. This week’s waste/recycling rounds are taking place a day earlier than usual, and collections that would usually have been done on Monday 27 December will take place on Friday 24 December instead. Customers are also reminded that green bin collections will resume in mid-February 2022.

The quickest and easiest way to check your grey bin/recycling schedule and to find information about a variety of council services is to sign up for an online My Account at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/myaccount

SLDC Leader Councillor Jonathan Brook said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the council colleagues who will be working right through Christmas and New Year and giving up time with their families to serve our communities by keeping essential services running. This includes everything from emptying bins and recycling, to keeping our streets clean and tidy, supporting NHS Test and Trace during the continuing Covid emergency, and helping those residents who face a miserable festive season due to homelessness.

“Sadly we all know what a difficult time Christmas and New Year can be for many. If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness and have nowhere else to turn, please contact our Housing Options Team. There is nothing they haven’t seen or heard before and they are ready to help.

“Once a telephone assessment has been completed they can offer solutions to help you stay in your home or, if you face being homeless on the street, they can help you access temporary accommodation, such as an emergency bed at the council’s Town View Fields Hostel in Kendal.

“Concerned members of the public can also keep an extra eye open and contact the team if you see anyone who maybe homeless on the street over the Christmas period.”

Staff at SLDC’s Town View Fields Hostel are experienced in supporting some of the most vulnerable, at-risk members of our community back towards independence and a home of their own.

One former hostel resident said: “I cannot thank you enough for taking me in when I was very distressed. It has been a journey to make sure I have a smooth journey out of the exit door. I have seen all walks of life coming in and out of the hostel… but you have always kept me safe… thank you.”

Another former resident said: “Thank you for taking me in and keeping me safe. Thank you for everything you have done for me… I really appreciate all the help… You’ve all been amazing. Thank you so much.”

SLDC Leader Cllr Brook continued: “We would urge anyone at risk of becoming homeless to contact us as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, and our caring, compassionate colleagues are here to support you. They will do everything they can to see you safely into the New Year by helping you access the support you need.

“To all key workers, residents and visitors across South Lakeland, I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022.”