Impact of lockdown on council services

Leicestershire County Council has announced changes across its services following the new lockdown restrictions introduced by the Government.

The council published a map and a postcode checker on its website detailing which parts of the county would be impacted by the increased restrictions. 

County council leader Nick Rushton said: "Protecting residents is our main concern and we can all play a key role by heeding the advice around social distancing and other measures.

Working closely with the city council and the Government, we’re trying to support communities – and the postcode checker, for example, will help people who live on the borders and are unsure as to their own situation."

The county council has confirmed there will be no birth registrations and ceremonies of all types, until restrictions are eased again at Anstey Frith House, the main register office based at County Hall, Glenfield, and the register office in Bassett Street, Wigston.

Appointments for births are still being offered at offices at Loughborough, Coalville and Hinckley, the county council says people who live in the restricted area are being advised not to travel to these areas, even if they have a confirmed appointment.

Some of the county’s libraries, which were due to re-open with a ‘click and collect’ service from Monday, 6 July, will now not be able to offer the service until further notice. These are at Birstall, Glenfield, Oadby and Wigston libraries.

Some community libraries were also going to offer ‘click and collect’ from 6 July too so people are being advised to check with their individual library if unsure.

The County Council says other services which will be continuing amid the return of tighter restrictions include the Park and Ride service. 

The sites at Meynell’s Gorse and Enderby will continue for people making essential journeys. The county council says people must wear a face covering on board the buses, which is in line with Government requirements. The Birstall site remains closed while it is being used as a COVID-19 test centre.

The council has also confirmed that its waste sites are not affected by the measures, but people will need to book an appointment to visit the locations via the council’s website.

The county council also says parts of Watermead Country Park fall within the restricted area, but the park itself is not affected. However, the toilet facilities remain closed.