Salford City Council

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has called on the government to urgently provide funding for residents of buildings with unsafe cladding during the virus lockdown.

David DixonCopyright: David Dixon

Mr Dennett has said that people's safety has been "exacerbated" by the stay-at-home restrictions, meaning residents are spending more time in unsafe buildings.

Many residents have been paying up to £10,000 a week for interim fire safety measures such as regular fire patrols and alarm fittings.

Mr Dennett said the government should provide funding to cover these interim safety measures so the cost is taken away from residents, as well as funding for the removal of cladding.

He said:

Quote Message: I remain concerned that government is not doing enough to protect residents from life changing bills.

I remain concerned that government is not doing enough to protect residents from life changing bills.

Quote Message: We have already seen how the broken regulatory system which has created an industrial crisis has impacted on high rise residents in Greater Manchester and we will no doubt see this expand to affect residents in smaller blocks of flats.

We have already seen how the broken regulatory system which has created an industrial crisis has impacted on high rise residents in Greater Manchester and we will no doubt see this expand to affect residents in smaller blocks of flats.

Salford City Council has launched a new mental health support service in collaboration with NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group and charities in the area.

Craig SunterCopyright: Craig Sunter

The service, called Beyond, is offering online and telephone support for those who are struggling with poor mental health due to Covid-19.

Support includes talking therapies, mindfulness tips and advice on how to adapt or establish a routine while self-isolating.

Judd Skelton, assistant director at the council, said:

Quote Message: Beyond truly demonstrates the spirit of Salford and will provide helpful and compassionate support to people who are struggling with their mental health in the current challenging situation.

Beyond truly demonstrates the spirit of Salford and will provide helpful and compassionate support to people who are struggling with their mental health in the current challenging situation.