TWO new initiatives have been launched to help support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Facebook pages are being used to highlight local businesses to residents, while offering support to those companies that have been hit during the global crisis.

Dunbar’s Covid Support team, working with Dunbar Trades’ Association, has already launched a ‘go to’ page for residents of the town and surrounding area to find out about town centre businesses.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the town’s community council, said: “A small group of 10 volunteers has catalogued every business we could find online and now each one will be contacted directly and invited to post on a new Facebook page, Dunbar High Street and Friends.

“We are hoping that people will use this Facebook page as a ‘go to’ spot for news of what local businesses can offer.

“It is already exciting and we expect the news to get better every day.

“Businesses will all be able to post and modify their entries and, with over 150 group members, we hope the site will be constantly fresh and interesting.

“The public can play their part in supporting business by visiting our virtual High Street at www.facebook.com/groups/DunbarHighStreet Friends

“We are hoping the High Street itself – and all other traders in and around Dunbar – will be up and running as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, another Facebook page offers the opportunity for businesses to find support during the Covid-19 crisis.

Diana Hall, Rector at St Anne’s Church in the town, said it offered a place for people to ask for help.

She said: “We wanted to show concern for and solidarity with the local business community, conscious that people can easily become isolated and struggle to look after their personal welfare in the midst of business crisis and financial concern.

“We aim to provide some signposts to the practical measures government, etc, are putting in place, and share with each other our collective experiences and insights in a kind and supportive way.

“We will also post general wellbeing resources.

“We have a wonderful local community – our hope is that we can support each other during this difficult time.”

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/groups/1636266993191211