Kirkby Lonsdale Fire

Information for Businesses

Updated Wednesday 18 December 2024

Highways

Main Street remains closed to both vehicles and pedestrians, with a cordon in place.

Building safety

Demolition work on structurally unsafe buildings is under way, following assessments by the council’s Building Control Team and structural engineers.

The council is reviewing safety cordons in collaboration with emergency services to restore access where it is safe to do so. However, properties directly impacted by the fire will remain inaccessible until stabilisation work is completed.

Business rates

Some businesses may already be in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or have other rates reliefs for their premises. If you are unsure about eligibility for rates relief, please contact us at counciltax3@ westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or call 0300 373 3300.

The Council has suspended issuing business rates recovery or reminder documents for affected premises for the remainder of 2024. Any business can cancel their direct debit mandate if they do not want payments to be collected this month. Business rates exemptions can be awarded for periods when occupation of the premises has been prohibited, and trading is not possible.

Ratepayers can ask for a temporary reduction in Rateable Value where there is “local disruption” by contacting the Valuation Office. Please see www.gov.uk/introduction-to-business-rates/if-your-business-or-premises-change-or-cant-be-used for further information.

The Council can also award longer-term business rates relief on the grounds of hardship. For further information on how to apply www.southlakeland.gov.uk/business-and-trade/business-rates/business-rates-relief-and-reduction/business-rates-relief-on-the-grounds-of-hardship/

Business support

Cumbria Accelerator in Westmorland and Furness

Enterprising Cumbria can provide free 1-2-1 adviser support from specialist partners. Support can be tailored
to your business needs during this recovery period.

Visit www.enterprisingcumbria.org.uk/support-businesses or contact Programme Manager Leslie Rickerby at leslie.rickerby@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk

Cumbria Business Growth Hub

For support with business continuity, disruption and
0844 257 8450 or info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk

Kirkby Lonsdale Chamber of Trade

For logistical, emotional and local support Robin Sadler 07831 260119

W&F Economic Development and Regeneration

econ.dev3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Cumbria Tourism

CT promotes the area regionally, nationally and internationally.
Contact info@cumbriatourism.org or call 01539 822222.