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Fatal fire disaster recovery appeal launched

BBC A view down Market Street in Kirkby Lonsdale. The narrow street has been cordoned off with diggers visible. Debris lies in the middle of the street in the distance and a man in hi-vis can be seen in the middle of the photo.BBC
The fire destroyed multiple buildings in Kirkby Lonsdale

A disaster recovery fund has been launched to support the community after a fatal town centre destroyed businesses.

One man died in the blaze which ripped through a flat in Kirkby Lonsdale's Main Street at 05:45 GMT on 8 December. Twenty people had to find emergency accommodation.

Six businesses were destroyed and a further 78 were affected, prompting the opening of the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Fund.

The appeal has been launched with a donation of £50,000 from Westmorland and Furness Council so the first wave of awards can be made before Christmas.

Market Street remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians and demolition work on structurally unsafe buildings is under way.

People who have lost their homes and possessions and those experiencing loss of income due to business closures are able to apply for grants from Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with the council and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard.

View down a street in which stand firefighters and two fire engines, with a tangle of fire hoses on the ground. A police officer stands on the left of the scene and a firefighter is talking to a man and a woman dressed in dark clothing.
Businesses have been forced to close while the area is made safe

Angela Jones, from Westmorland and Furness Council and chair of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, said the recovery is "likely to take many months, if not years".

"The fire has caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress for those directly affected and also to the whole community."

The appeal has set an initial target to raise £100,000.

Ms Jones added they are working with Lizzi Collinge MP to lobby the government to match donations.

Councillor Paul Cassell, chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, said the aim of the fund is to "support all families and individuals affected by the tragic fire that has devastated our beloved town".

"We have witnessed so many unseen acts of support and help and give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have been kind enough to donate."

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