New webpage goes live with updates on Council services affected by COVID-19

Only a small number of services delivered by Swindon Borough Council have so far been affected by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

In order to keep residents fully up to date with services, the Council has published a new page on its website with real-time updates on services, which residents can see here: www.swindon.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Yesterday (Wed), STEAM Museum temporarily closed its doors to the public until Friday, 1 May. The closure is in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment, while also following recommendations by the Government to reduce the spread of the virus.

Likewise, the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery on Bath Road is now also closed until May, as is Lydiard House and Park. Lydiard hotel is open Monday to Thursday but remains under review.

Council-run parks – Stanton, Coate Water, Mouldon Hill and Barbury Castle – are open as usual, though the pitch and putt course at Coate Water is closed until further notice.

In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week, schools in Swindon will be closed to the vast majority of pupils from Monday, 23 March until further notice.

Parents are encouraged to visit the websites of individual schools to find out what provisions are being made to support the children of key workers. Schools should also communicate their plans directly to parents and carers.

The Council is currently able to ensure its five core libraries are kept open, though all events, exhibitions, activities and groups have been cancelled for March and April.

Beechcroft Library, run by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, will close from Monday (23 March) and four libraries run by Swindon North Parish Council – Penhill, Pinetrees, Moredon and Even Swindon – closed yesterday (Wed).

The following Council services are currently operating as normal:

• Waste and recycling collections
• Education and social care transport
• Housing services
• Homeline
• Homeless support
• Customer Services
• Register Office

As reported yesterday (Wed), limited meetings will take place at the Civic Offices up until Thursday, 21 May. A review will take place at the end of April to assess the situation.

Kingsdown Crematorium and the Council's three cemeteries are open for visitors, though the crematorium office has a reduced service and is only taking urgent enquiries by telephone.

The Household Waste Recycling Centre in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate is also operating as usual, though it is currently experiencing significant pressures. Residents are therefore asked not to use the facility unless it is absolutely necessary.

Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that we are continuing to deliver as many vital services as we possibly can.

“Like local authorities all across the country, we are facing significant and unprecedented challenges but we will continue to do all we can to make sure that, where possible, services are not interrupted unnecessarily.”