These are strange, troubled times. But one positive from this Coronavirus Crisis is that we really appreciate our social interaction − taken for granted until now.

Loneliness is a dreadful experience which, in the weeks ahead, many will experience acutely. Various Linlithgow organisations work tirelessly to help combat this feeling of isolation. For this reason, Linlithgow Grange Rotary supports such organisations with its Tree of Light initiative at Christmastime. Six organisations were selected for the 2019   campaign: Linlithgow and Community Day Care Centre, providing short-term secure environment and entertainment for frail elderly people whilst at the same time giving relief for the family or carer; Linlithgow Link whose activities include the monthly Caring Café for people with dementia; Link also provides transport to and from hospital or health-related appointments when public transport proves difficult; Carers of West Lothian, a charitable organisation that has developed a support service for carers, many of whom are carrying out their role in some isolation; and The Cyrenians who give one-to-one support and encouragement through befriending and telephone.
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West Lothian Council

Working Guide for “Deliver and Collect”

West Lothian Council has launched a new guide to ensure local residents have access to food, medicine and other support. To help local residents, the council compiled a useful list to signpost them to organisations that offer delivery or collections in West Lothian. This includes a wide range of organisations including community groups, local shops and national retailers. There are separate searchable section for both local shops offering home delivery and community information and West Lothian-wide information, which was be broken down by type of service and local areas. To view the list, please visit deliverandcollectLocal residents are then able to contact the organisation direct to arrange for delivery or collection, either online or by phone. The list has been compiled with details from organisations and businesses that the council have been in contact with, and information that is already in the public domain. Every effort has been made to ensure the list is as a comprehensive as possible, as resources allow.Any business who wish to have their details added to, or amended on the list, can do so via the link at Add-your-business-or-group-to-our-listings

 

West Lothian Council

Grass cutting to resume in priority areas only
Essential grass cutting tasks are being reinstated on a prioritised basis by West Lothian Council following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The work is being undertaken to protect key open space assets, with a number of other councils in Scotland carrying out similar work.

Ground Maintenance was not considered as a key service during the initial lockdown process and many staff members were either redeployed to other essential service areas or are self-isolating.  However the council has inspected a number of its open spaces and believes it is important that some grass cutting and other essential maintenance tasks are reinstated on a phased basis as soon as possible.

The main reason to reinstate grass cutting in some areas is to ensure minimal maintenance is carried out to prevent irretrievable asset deterioration.

Maintenance will resume on council owned golf courses and bowling greens, school grounds, football pitches and large parks, roadside verges and other large grass areas across West Lothian.

All cutting will be carried out in line with guidance on social distancing to protect staff and members of the public.
The council has stressed that this is not a complete return to normal standards.

The council will put measures in place to ensure that the service is delivered in line with guidance on social distancing for staff and members of the public.

Weed management operations remain suspended, but will reviewed on a weekly basis, with a limited service an option where essential.

Staff recruited for the Garden Maintenance Scheme, which was due to start on 6 April, have been re-deployed in Waste Services and the scheme remains suspended.

 

Business Support Fund Phase 2 now open Phase 2 of the Coronavirus Business Support Fund Scheme from Scottish Government is now open for applications. The Scottish Government Coronavirus Business Support Fund is being administered by Local Authorities. It consists of the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund. Eligible business ratepayers can apply for these grant funds until 31 March 2021. The grants are aimed at helping to keep small and medium-sized companies in business and keep productive capacity so that they can recover. Ratepayers must have been in occupation of the non-domestic property as at 17 March 2020. Further details on the scheme and application forms can be found online at https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/business-support-fund