A councillor is concerned certain sectors of society who have needed help during the pandemic will be forgotten about - as volunteer numbers drop with people returning to work.

People across Cumbria are now returning to work as lockdown restrictions ease and the Government's furlough scheme is brought to an end. Lib Dem councillor Suzie Pye, of South Lakeland District Council's community is concerned on the impact it will cause in other sectors of society.

She said: "We still need to be looking out for our neighbours – those who have been shielding and who don’t yet have the confidence to go out regularly – they still need our support.

"Our young people have had a rotten time of it, so it's important to keep on showing them that the help they need is available. We are seeing volunteer numbers depleting, but we are still very far from normal – and all the time the threat of a second wave is a real possibility."

Despite her concerns she is pleased with the community response that came out of the pandemic, and the community effort that is still happening in certain areas.

And she has urged people who still need help to go and seek it.

She added: "The community response has been incredible in South Lakeland – individuals, businesses, and organisations have gone out of their way to make sure everyone has everything they need in terms of food, and services. There has been a real sense of pulling together.

"The help is out there. It is available, but it is ‘no good’ unless it reaches the people who need it.

"So, anyone feeling like they are struggling to cope emotionally or mentally to please contact your GP. Anyone in need of financial advice to please contact Citizens Advise."

To get access to support services go to southlakeland.gov.uk."