BARNSLEY Council have launched a new emergency contact centre to respond to coronavirus related emergencies.

The scheme, set up to help the vulnerable people of the borough, began yesterday.

The contact centre puts people in touch with support to help them, and where needed volunteers can deliver essential supplies, help with medication or have a chat with people so they don’t get lonely.

Coun Jenny Platts, spokesperson for adults and communities, said: “It has been amazing to see the community response so far with our residents pulling together in these difficult times.

“We’ve received over 270 volunteer applications which is a really great result.

“We ask people to use the contact centre correctly, as time spent answering calls about general enquiries means that we will have fewer resources to help those who desperately need it.”