An appeal has gone out to businesses and other organisations for essential personal protective equipment for staff at doctors’ surgeries fighting the coronavirus epidemic.

Local GPs Dr Yasara Naheed and Dr James Fleming say staff working at surgeries and care homes across Burnley borough need essential equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves – and she is hoping that local businesses, schools and colleges may be able to help.

Supporting businesses and the local economy is a key priority for Burnley Council.

We understand that this is a difficult time for business and that you are facing unprecedented challenges. We are working with Government and our partners to ensure that our local business community comes through this in as stronger position as possible.

The council has received guidance from Government on how we are to deliver grants to businesses, and funds will be with the council by early April.

The Community Secretary has confirmed that planning rules will be relaxed to allow food businesses to operate as takeaways during the coronavirus, the relaxation period will be applied imminently for a limited period only.

Burnley Council understand that businesses may look to change their business model and diversify in order to maintain their business during this time.

A business is only in position to do this if they are already registered and regulated by the local authority.

Part of lower St James Street, Burnley, is set to temporarily close to allow essential bridge repair works to go ahead.

At the same time work to improve the appearance of the area and make it a more attractive “gateway” into the town centre will go ahead.

The road will be closed where it crosses the River Calder near the junction with Queen's Lancashire Way, Active Way and Westgate from 6th April until mid-August.