THOUSANDS of pounds worth of funding is being offered to groups helping those in need through the coronavirus crisis in the Prudhoe area.

At its November meeting last Wednesday, Prudhoe Town Council agreed to make £5,000 in grant aid funding available for organisations who have been supporting people during the pandemic.

The motion was put forward by Coun. Jennifer McGee who was particularly keen to support groups who have been helping families with young children.

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She said: “The situation is quite dire. a lot of people are struggling - struggling to feed youngsters.

“The Government has given funding for Christmas meals now, but I think there’s still something this town council could do to help, especially families with young children.

“I would like to propose that five or six thousand pound be put aside for some kid of grant aid specifically for this Covid situation we’re in.

“However small we can give to help people, I think it would be a good thing. We will have to look at it closely and see which are the best people to go with that will give the biggest impact.”

Councillors agreed to back the motion - although Coun. Christine Cuthbert was concerned it didn’t go far enough.

She said: “I don’t think £5,000 is enough with the problems that are about.

“I don’t think we’ve started to see them yet. There’s going to be at least another million people unemployed by the spring.

“I don’t think £5,000 will be enough to help people with the fallout of this Covid.”

Coun. McGee had earlier acknowledged this fact.

She said: “It’s not a lot of money.

“There will likely be extra balance at the end of the year, but we can’t be certain of that. We can only go for about £5,000.”

The motion to make the funding available was agreed. Councillors will discuss applications at the next meeting.