MAYORS in South East Cornwall have reached out to their residents to let them know they are not alone as a new lockdown comes into force.

Mayor of Liskeard Rachel Brooks said that up-to-date information on how to get practical and emotional help would be contained in the Town Council Lyskerrys magazine due to go out to households soon, and on the Council website – the Council is also available to help on 01579 345407.

“None of us wants to be in this situation but we must obviously do whatever we can to keep our families and neighbours safe. 

“In the first lockdown the community responded brilliantly to help each other and I’m sure this will happen again.”

Cllr Brooks said that the Council and Lights Up committee were doing their best to have at least some of the Christmas Lights up before Thursday.

“I’d like to thank the wonderful volunteers from Lights Up for making this happen incredibly quickly. Local businesses have contributed generously and the Town Council has also provided funding to make this possible.  It shows again what can happen when we all pull together.”

In Looe, mayor Martin Gregory said: “I know that this second lockdown is incredibly difficult but I want to thank you all, once again, for the kindness, care and consideration you show on a daily basis for your fellow residents.

“Looe enters the new lockdown in a better position than most and we will resolutely build on the success we have achieved so far.

“Looe Volunteer helpline and volunteer service has continued to operate so if you require help or are in a position to volunteer to support the community, please call 01503 804099 or email [email protected].”

Encouraging people to support their local economy, Cllr Gregory said that details of delivery and takeaway services would be on the Council website. A Looe hardship fund is available for residents in difficulty.

“We have been working with Cornwall Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, National Careers Service and the People Hub to provide online events and a package of support for individuals and businesses. Please see our website and Facebook pages on how to access this support on funding and training.”

In Callington, portreeve Suzan Tolman said she was “so proud of the community and how it had rallied round in the last few months”.

The installation of the Poppy Wave for Remembrance recently reflected the coming together of groups, both virtually and in person, who might otherwise not have joined up, to complete a project with a very positive outcome, she said.

A spokesperson for Callington Town Council said: “While people are not being asked to shield this time we know that there might well be people who need help.

“The main thing is that we all watch out for each other and that we are there for each other.

“Don’t be afraid to ring and ask, our offices will be shut but we will still be here on the phone to support people and signpost them to where they can get help.”

Callington Town Council is on 01579 384039. The business network and community organisation One Callington also has a freephone number 0800 6696782 set up to support anyone in the community that needs help, where people can call in confidence.

Volunteer Cornwall can provide a quick response for help on shopping and prescriptions across all areas of the county on 01872 266988.