A COMBINED village force is being set up to help communities battle through the coronavirus.

Cartmel is to re-activate its old Neighbourhood Watch Network and will join with Lower Allithwaite Parish Council and the Cartmel Village Society to set up the COVID-19 Cartmel Support Network (CARTNET).

Its goal is to support local households through this time of crisis.

Around 50 volunteers have registered already and shops have extended their services to deliver for residents. Pubs and restaurants have had to close their in-house facilities but some are offering take-out ready meals.

The village and surrounding countryside have been divided into focal point areas with their own coordinators to keep residents informed and receive any requests for help.

All households in the area should have received letters or emails telling them how to register, with contact details for their coordinator, and with advice on isolation and avoiding contamination.

Information is available at cartmelvillagesociety.co.uk.