The leader of Westmorland & Furness Council has called on the Government to provide urgent support for communities and businesses affected by the devastating fire in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Jonathan Brook praised the response of the community and described the work of agencies as truly exceptional at a cabinet meeting.
Ben Taylor, of the family shop GR and RD Taylor general store and army supplies on Market Street, died in the fire which also forced 20 people to find emergency and temporary accommodation. The blaze also destroyed six businesses and impacted a further 78.
Cllr Brook said: “I want to say a few words about the tragic fire that took place on December 8 in Kirkby Lonsdale which led to the death of a much-loved local man and a fire that has seen a significant impact on this community, its residents and its local businesses.
“The response of the local community has been phenomenal. In addition what has been truly exceptional is the response of all the agencies working together for one cause.
“From the fire crews and the police to local charities to our very own council officers who have been there working on the ground every single day since the incident happened.”
Cumbria Community Foundation has launched the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal to address hardship caused by the fire, with Westmorland and Furness Council pledging a £50,000 donation, so that the first wave of awards can be made before Christmas.
The council response involved a multitude of officers including those from communities, waste, highways, economic development, housing and communications teams.
Cllr Brook added: “This tragic incident has shown the power and strength of the local community and Westmorland and Furness Council in action on the ground demonstrating what can be achieved through community power in very difficult circumstances.
“However, there will be a long road of recovery for the Kirkby Lonsdale community and with so many significant impacts from this catastrophe. We and our recovery partners now need urgent central support from Government to help our communities and businesses return to normal as soon as possible.
“We were pleased to hear that the Prime Minister has promised Lizzi Collinge MP a meeting with the relevant minister to ensure the right help is received where it is needed the most and I hope that this will include match funding for the disaster recovery fund that has just been launched by the recovery group via Cumbria Community Foundation.”
Kirkby Lonsdale Recovery Partnership has issued an update about the town here.
