BARNSLEY Council vowed to do ‘all it can’ to help residents and businesses through the second spell of lockdown.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of the council, urged people to follow government advice after rising cases of coronavirus prompted the national shutdown this week.

He said: “I appreciate it has been challenging, but we need to pull together and double our efforts to get us through this pandemic.

“Please follow the government’s guidance, it will give our borough the best chance of limiting the impact of the virus and help to protect lives.

“I don’t underestimate the impact this will have on everyone, including our organisation. We’re continuing to follow our action plan, doing all we can to support our residents.

“Financial support will be made available to businesses affected.”