Museum and heritage sites close during lockdown

Leicestershire county council has confirmed that museum and heritage sites will close during the month-long national lockdown, which has come into force today.

Earlier this week, council leader Nick Rushton said it was ‘down to all of us’ to stem the spread of coronavirus following steep rises in cases across the county.

For the next four weeks, people will be told to stay at home – apart from attending school, college, university, work or to go food shopping.

Under the lockdown restrictions, pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential retail across the county also close, but takeaways and click-and-collect shopping can remain open.  

Among the sites now closed across the county are: 
 •    Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre; 
 •   1620s House and Garden at Donington-le-Heath;
 •    Charnwood Museum;
 •    Melton Museum;
 •    Harborough Museum;
 •    The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland

Leicestershire County Council says where possible events and activities will move online.

The Record Office will continue to respond to enquiries and provide copying, digital and research services. Further information available at www.recordoffice.org.uk

The county-council run Beacon Hill Café and the 1485 Tithe Barn at Bosworth will move to a takeaway service.
 
Government guidance also outlines that libraries must close, except for ‘click and collect’ services, which have already proved successful in the county.

Libraries will also stay open for people who do not have a PC at home and can access a computer. Library members can book a one-hour slot at a workstation.

To find out more, visit https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/click-and-collect-service

The county council’s Adult Education (GoLearn) service will continue to be delivered on site and additional online resources will be provided where learners are unable to attend their classes. The library service will continue to support access for adult learning.
 
Birth and death registrations will continue, however, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will only take place in exceptional circumstances.
 
The council says it will also be contacting a small number of vulnerable people so it can be established what they may need in terms of extra support. 

Mr Rushton said it was a ‘worrying time’ for people and outlined that ‘supporting our residents through these continuing times of difficulty remains our absolute priority’. 

“We remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable, and we’ll be contacting a small number of people who need extra support to see what they need.  

“This is all part of the tireless work being carried by our staff on the frontline and behind the scenes, and I’d particularly like to thank those staff who work in social care who have been working round the clock to keep residents safe.” 
 
The council’s recycling and household waste sites will remain open if safe to do so, but the council is encouraging people to only visit sites, if essential, and by appointment only.