Lockdown 3 - changes to services and public facilities
Lockdown 3 – changes to services and public facilities
Further to the government’s confirmation of a national lockdown and new COVID-19 restrictions, Warwick District Council has closed a number of public facilities from Tuesday 5 January.
The amenities closed with immediate effect include;
Football pitches and pavilions managed by the Council
Tennis courts managed by the Council - Abbey Fields, St Nicholas Park, Victoria Park and Christchurch Gardens
Edmondscote Athletics Track and its gym and pavilion
Outdoor gym equipment
Skate parks
Whilst the district’s parks, public toilets and children’s playgrounds remain open, the Council has suspended all exercise permits for group activities. The cafes at St Nicholas and Victoria Park are permitted to operate for takeaways only.
Other Council owned facilities including the Leisure Centres, Art Gallery and Museum and Spa Centre will remain closed, with the Library (located in the Royal Pump Rooms) continuing to provide a click and collect service. The Town Hall is open so that customers can access the temporary Post Office.
Waste and recycling services will continue as normal, with a public health reminder that personal waste (such as used tissues, face coverings and disposable cleaning cloths) should be separated from other items and bagged securely before being placed in your external refuse bin. These items must not be put into your recycling containers. Recycling crews will continue to be supported by additional waste collection vehicles where necessary, this means recycling is tipped into the back of this vehicle – these collections are sorted and recycled separately. The district’s recycling centres will remain open for booked appointments.
During this time the Council’s Housing Team and partners in the voluntary sector will be renewing their efforts to ensure that anyone found sleeping rough is found a place to stay. They will also continue to provide support to those in temporary accommodation.
Following Tuesday’s announcement by the Chancellor, the Council’s finance and business support teams are on stand-by to process the new lockdown grants to be made available to businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure.
The Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Day comments:
“It’s disappointing that we’re once again having to go into a lockdown. The severity of the situation nationally and locally, requires that we continue to work together, taking what we’ve learnt from previous lockdowns and going the extra mile to save lives and protect the NHS. Despite these restrictions, we continue to benefit from living in an area with wonderful parks and open spaces for our daily exercise, giving us all opportunities for some respite from this necessary confinement.”
“The Council recognises that the latest restrictions will be a hammer-blow to many businesses and the most vulnerable in our community. We’re responding to this by distributing further business grants and gearing up to assist our colleagues at Warwickshire County Council with new shielding arrangements. We’re also supporting the NHS with the vaccination programme and testing regime. It’s going to be a tough few months for everyone, but if we all play our part by staying local and following the guidelines, brighter days are ahead. Thankfully we’re well prepared to go ‘once more unto the breach.’ to quote Shakespeare’s words from Henry V,“
Further information and updates on all Council Services and details of the support available to businesses can be found on the Warwick District Council Website.
