AN MP has welcomed the news that Barrow Borough Council is to receive an extra £155,000 in funding to help it cope with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The cash boost is part of the £500m allocated to councils across England which was confirmed by the Government yesterday.

South Lakeland District Council is to receive £142,739 and Cumbria County Council £3,308,392.

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell said: “The staff at Cumbria County, Barrow Borough and South Lakeland District Council have all played a heroic role in coordinating the local response to coronavirus and I’m sure everyone in our community will join me in thanking them for everything they’ve done under extraordinary circumstances.

“Our Conservative government said at the beginning of this crisis that they would stand behind our councils and I’m delighted that they have done, protecting local services and ensuring councils come through this difficult period with stable finances."

The extra £500m is intended to help councils in England continue to deliver crucial frontline services and support those most in need.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Councils are playing a vital role in our national fight against coronavirus, providing a lifeline for so many and supporting communities at a time when they need it most. That’s why we are giving them an extra £500 million."

Cllr Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: "The cost of responding to Covid-19 has been significant.

"Additional measures implemented by the council came at an unbudgeted cost, while revenue streams - for example from car parking and The Forum - stopped almost overnight.

"As a consequence, we find ourselves in a negative financial position compared to where we thought we would be pre-covid.

"The government's support in helping to redress the balance is crucial. We, of course, welcome the most recent tranche of funding and will continue to work with our central government colleagues to ensure Barrow gets the support it needs."