THE FORMER deputy leader of Carlisle City Council has called for politics to be put to one side in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Labour councillor Les Tickner has called on residents to volunteer and help vulnerable people in the area - after a support group set up by his party was deluged with pleas for help.

The councillor, who represents Newtown and Morton North, said: “We are dealing with hundreds of enquiries ranging from people asking for advice to people going without food and without the physical or financial means to get hold of any food.

“I would urge readers to sign up as members and volunteer.

“Readers can also donate whatever they can afford as this group is entirely voluntary.

“The Facebook page includes our contact number and email address along with details of local businesses offering delivery, contact details of key agencies, and the opportunity to help those in our communities struggling to cope with the impact of this virus.”

The Facebook group is called the Carlisle Covid-19 Community Help Group.

It is non partisan and has more than 1,200 members and 150 volunteers with Mr Tickner adding that even more volunteers were needed to help deliver food and medicine after the group was overrun by requests from people seeking help.

He said: “Businesses and communities in Cumbria have experienced severe disruption through devastating floods and came out the other end stronger.

“We will do the same following this pandemic but I don’t think our daily life and routine will ever be the same again.

“We must protect all our key workers, including NHS staff, care workers, postmen and women, refuse collectors, food producers and volunteers, they are the real heroes."

Mr Tickner also added: “I am a trustee of several charities who have seen income and donations dry up overnight.

“When people are unsure when or if they will receive their next pay, they reduce or temporarily stop donations to charities.

“Some charities can choose to stop providing their services and put their employees on furlough through the job retention scheme.

“Still, many have no option but to continue providing the service or maintaining the assets.

“At times like this, charities are even more crucial in providing specialist support to vulnerable sectors of our communities.

“I think those charities should have access to a grant at least to the levels being offered to businesses and additional financial support where required.”

For information go online to Facebook, Carlisle Covid-19 Community Help Group.