KENDAL'S Business District Improvement (BID) head has attempted to strike a positive note amid a new package for town businesses and the possibility of a second lockdown.

Last week, Rishi Sunak unveiled the Government's Winter Economy Plan, outlining a number of new measures for businesses across the UK.

The package included a number of revisions to various government financial aid programmes, including a new Job Support Scheme to be introduced in November.

It also featured an extension of the temporary 15 per cent VAT cut for the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sectors to the end of March next year.

The town's representative for high-street business argued that the prospect of a second lockdown would do far more damage to Kendal shop owners than any of the recent measures announced by Number 10.

Kendal BID manager, Sarah Williams, said: "Clearly this may lead to some redundancies on the high street - especially among the big retailers.

"But actually Kendal is up and running. People are back buying again and on the high street.

"The biggest issue, I think, will be whether we have another lockdown, as that will mean people won't be able to get out and go to the pub, restaurants etc.

"Obviously, there are new measures like the 10 o'clock announcement for pubs to factor in as well. A lot of the decisions are made on the national level in a sweeping way for big businesses.

"At the moment, we're really lucky in Kendal - business has been good since the return to the high street and I've been amazed by the level of footfall since shops reopened.

"The real issue comes with the renewed rise of infections and what that could mean for the area in terms of further restrictions.

"If we get another lockdown, it could be the end of a lot of things.

"But, to be positive now, Kendal is doing very well. I don't see any reason why businesses that have survived thus far would go under, as long as we don't get another lockdown.

"And as long as the public continue to support the town's businesses on the high street."