As preparations for a fresh lockdown get underway, the following council services are set to continue or stay open throughout:
- Household recycling centres, refuse collection, garden waste collection, commercial waste
- Public toilets
- Promenade, piers, beaches and parks, with catering outlets offering takeaway only
- Car parks
- Allotments
- Playgrounds and skate parks
- Beach hut tenants can continue to use their huts.
People are reminded that national restrictions apply, so social distancing, reduced contact between households, wearing of face coverings in enclosed public spaces and hand washing continue to be required.
Social care services are continuing to operate to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
Due to the required restrictions, some services are being reduced or closed, as follows:
- Upton County Park and Highcliffe Castle grounds will be open with catering takeaway services, whilst the House and Castle will be closed
- Museums to close
- Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre to close, with classes offered online
- Tennis courts, outdoor bowling, all mini-golf and Queen’s Park Golf Course will close
- Amusement arcades will close
- Visitor centre and the Beach Lodges to close
- Kings Park Nursery will close for winter as scheduled on Sunday 8 November
- Weddings will not be held, and funeral continue to be restricted to 30 mourners
All BCP Council libraries will be closed from 5 November during the period of national lockdown. All live loans will be extended for six weeks minimum. If Government regulations permit, we will restart Order & Collect pick up services and the doorstep deliveries Home Library Service, and will update about this as soon as we know more. Free e-resources and online membership are available for your use www.librarieswest.org.uk .
Guidance on markets is also awaited.
Cllr Drew Mellor, Leader of the Council said, “Unlike the last lockdown when most council services closed, this time we are able to keep many frontline services up and running, including public toilets, so making our beaches and parks more accessible to local people wanting to take exercise in our fabulous open spaces. Being outdoors and getting fresh air is particularly important for our mental health at times like this, so I would encourage local people to make the most of what we have on our doorsteps and enjoy exercise in your local open space.” He continued, “I don’t underestimate the very difficult position that the latest announcement places local businesses in, and those in the hospitality sector. We are looking at all available options to support our local economy too and will share more details when we have them.”
The list of service changes continues to be updated as more information becomes available from government, and can be found on the councils’ website