RUBBISH tips, parks and public toilets will remain open across Cheshire West and Chester during the four-week national lockdown which came into force today (November 5).

However libraries, community centres and sports facilities have shut, while wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted apart from in exceptional circumstances.

The Government's latest England-wide measures to tackle the spread of the virus and alleviate growing pressure on the NHS are due to be in place until December 2.

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins said: "Following the Government’s second lockdown announcement, which came into effect from midnight last night, there will be some changes to how our services are delivered.

"We are doing everything possible to continue to deliver vital services to support the borough. However, to keep everyone safe some facilities do have to close or reduce the services available during the lockdown period.

"Our aim is that the vast majority of our services will continue to be operational. We are awaiting guidance from the Government for some services and further details will be added to our website as the situation changes.

"Stay safe, be kind and above all let's all play our part to turn this around during these challenging times."

What remains open?

  • Parks, open spaces, outdoor play and youth areas. Visitors should follow social distancing guidance, any signage and wash their hands when they return home. Residents are able to meet outdoors with one person not from their own household.
  • Public toilets remain open between 10am and 5pm in the following locations: Parkgate, Ellesmere Port town centre (Marina Drive), Castle Park (Frodsham), Whitby Park (Ellesmere Port), Frodsham Street (Chester), Sandy Lane (Chester), The Groves (Chester), Princess Street (near Chester Market), Grosvenor Park (Chester), Stanney Fields (Neston), Westminster Park (Chester), Malpas, Tarporley and Moor Lane (Frodsham). Toilet facilities are also available at Chester Bus Interchange between 8.30am and 5pm (Monday to Saturday).
  • Allotments. Again, social distancing should be maintained and residents are permitted to meet outdoors with one person not from their own household.
  • Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The council asks that people only travel there for essential reasons and be patient to ensure social distancing can be maintained on sites. A proof of residency will need to be shown to HWRC staff.
  • Funerals up to a maximum of 30 may take place at Chester crematorium and at council cemeteries. Social distancing must be maintained at the funeral between individuals who are not from the same household or support bubble.

What has been closed/suspended?

  • All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football is suspended. Tennis, golf, bowling and croquet facilities are closed.
  • All libraries, including the home and mobile library services. It is hoped that order and collect services will be made available from selected libraries. Existing loan periods have been extended to December 7 and overdue charges are suspended.
  • The majority of volunteering activities within council settings will stop, however the authority's Community Champions network will continue.
  • Ranger stations, pavilions and community centres remain closed except where existing community food distribution is currently being provided.
  • All museums in the borough, including school visits.
  • The Cheshire Archives and Record Office will suspend public access to the building but online services will continue to be available. The Registration team will continue to provide death registrations by telephone.
  • Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except where one of the couple is seriously ill and not expected to recover.

The council says it will continue to monitor all its frontline services and will review the impact of Covid-19 on service delivery as the lockdown progresses.