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Council thanked by local businesses after £18 million worth of COVID grants distributed since April

Over 1,500 businesses can be supported as much as in South Holland who possible during the coming are struggling due to months. the economic impact Councillor Nick Worth, deputy of the Coronavirus pandemic leader and portfolio holder for have benefited from various growth and commercialisation, Government grant schemes worth said: “Since the beginning of the over £18.4 million distributed by Coronavirus pandemic, teams South Holland District Council. from across the Council have

Businesses from all sectors been working flat out to ensure including horticulture, retail, local businesses received grant manufacturing and market traders funding as quickly and efficiently were invited to apply for grants of as possible. up to £25,000. Of those businesses “We used every avenue to find that the council has been able to those within the district who may support, many owners said that be entitled to funding, aiming to the money has been vital in helping help as many eligible businesses to retain jobs, offset lost income as we could. The £18.4 million and to prepare their business for we distributed through various an economic recovery. Government grant schemes went

Despite the large numbers directly into our local economy of businesses who received to support businesses against financial help, some businesses the impact of the Coronavirus unfortunately missed out due to pandemic and aiding their high demand and a Government- recovery. set criteria. In an effort to get more “Whilst we weren’t able to funding to local businesses, the help every business across the Council wrote to the Secretary of District, the demand for funding State for Business Alok Sharma far outweighed what was available MP to ask for the removal of a to us from central Government. ring fence on how much funds The fact the Council wrote to the district councils could use for grant Government asking for flexibility in funding. The Council continues how grant funding could be spent to closely monitor the initiatives demonstrates our commitment to coming from central Government supporting our local economy as so that South Holland businesses much as we can.”

Cathedral Highlights Tours Commence Once Again

After a gap of nearly seven with current COVID-19 guidelines. months, Peterborough To maintain social distancing there is Cathedral excitedly a limit of just six people on each tour, started up its guided so it is advisable to arrive in plenty of tours again. time. The tour times will usually be The Highlights Tours take visitors 11.00am and 2.00pm on Fridays and around the Cathedral in the company Saturdays, and 1.00pm on Sundays. of a knowledgeable guide who can The plan is that the tours continue share some of the wonderful stories to run at these times on Fridays, from its many centuries of history. Saturdays and Sundays in the coming Peterborough Cathedral, which months. was an Abbey until 1541, has long For many of the team of volunteer been at the centre of national and guides it has been a long wait for international events. It was an the tours to start up again. Stephen important medieval monastery and Dodding, who will be leading one of is a royal burial place; it has survived the first tours back, said: Civil War destruction, and then been “I can’t wait to get started through a time of restoration and again. We’re certainly living in a distanced tours. With its wealth of to giving everyone a very warm rediscovery of its Anglo-Saxon roots different world now but it will still history there can be no better place welcome back.” in the 19th century. be marvellous to meet people from to put the world’s current woes into It is hoped that the ever-popular The tours have been carefully Peterborough and farther afield perspective and to demonstrate Tower Tours will be running daily planned to ensure that they comply once again through these socially that all things pass. I look forward during October half term.

South Holland District Council scoops RSPCA Gold award for 3rd consecutive year

South Holland District Council has been recognised again for its exceptional care and provision when dealing with stray dogs in the District, after receiving a top national award for the 3rd year in a row.

The RSPCA have recognised the Council’s stray dog work in South Holland as part of their 2020 PawPrints Awards, recognising good practice from local authorities, housing providers and contingency planners in relation to welfare and going above and beyond for animals.

For the 3rd year in a row, the Council has received a Gold award in the Stray Dog category. The award specifically recognises the work done across the entire journey of the Council’s work with strays, including the work of the warden, kennels, re-homing, veterinary care and the other staff who help to manage and administer the service.

It also recognises promotional work around the microchipping and

neutering of dogs, with advice and links to further information available on the Council’s website, along with more information about the dog warden service, at www.sholland. gov.uk/DogWarden.

Councillor Anthony Casson, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for public protection said: “I am delighted that the Council has been recognised by the RSPCA with this top industry award for a 3rd consecutive year, which reflects the continued hard work of our team in South Holland and their commitment to protecting animal welfare.

“Even throughout the added complexities of the last few months the team have worked hard with both internal and external partners and have built strong links with the local community to secure the best possible outcomes for pets and their owners in the District. I’d like to congratulate the whole team and everyone who has helped them for deservedly winning this award.” Remember, Remember the 5th of November!

With Bonfire night as gastrointestinal problems. If fast approaching your pet is in discomfort, training Jerry Green Dog will at best take much longer, or at Rescue have some worst be completely ineffective. tips and advice to share with you 2) Decide on a time during the on how you can try and keep your day when it is most convenient dog calm and settled during the to train, and plan that in to your celebrations. schedule. This will make it more Shelley Wilks, Deputy chief likely that you are able to stick to Executive for the rescue says: the plan, even in the face of busy, “We know that many dogs are everyday life. You’re best doing not bothered by the fireworks several short sessions a day, then and during the numerous displays one long session. throughout the year those days 3) Systematic desensitisation will go by like any other. Whereas has been shown to be most for some dogs, it is quite a different effective at helping with noise story. Many are terrified by the phobias. This involves playing loud bangs and flashing lights, and firework noises and GRADUALLY it can be a traumatic experience. increasing volumes at a pace that “It may be a time of year you your dog can cope with. Remain dread with your furry companion, calm whilst you do this training, but there are things you can do in and continue with your day as preparation and during the night to normal, but ensuring to keep a make it easier on you both to cope close eye on your dog. with. • Play the sounds at such a “We’re also aware that low volume that your dog notices throughout lockdown, many the sound, but does not respond people have welcomed new furry fearfully to it. Their ears might friends into their home who may prick, and they may look up, but have never heard fireworks before, they should quickly be able to go so now is the time to prepare them back to what they are doing. Look for this new experience.” out for signs of anxiety like licking Jerry Green’s tips on what you lips, yawning, scratching, whining can do in advance: and pacing, and immediately Starting now, you can begin reduce the volume further. acclimatising your dog to firework • Over the course of many days, sounds. There are CDs and increase the volume very gradually, downloads available of generic noting how your dog responds firework/bonfire noise that you each time and adjusting the can use. You can also check this volume as needed. Don’t increase video out on YouTube: Firework the volume until your dog is able to sounds. ignore it at its current level. Training should begin as far • Never throw your dog into in advance as possible and is an the deep end by cranking up the ongoing process. Don’t expect volume and expect them to get success overnight: just like used to it- it won’t work and your humans, working with phobias dog will suffer as a consequence. takes time! Slow, gradual exposure is key. 1) First, take your dog to the If you seek further advice and vet. Noise sensitivity is often seen support, please contact your in pets who are in pain or have vet, our Enterprise Trainer or a undiagnosed medical issues, such qualified dog behaviourist.

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