Council vows support as town is locked down again

ROCHDALE Council says it is ready to support residents and businesses through the new national lockdown.

Under the more stringent restrictions everyone must stay at home and may leave only for limited reasons. These include: For education. For work, if you cannot work from home.

For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household, support bubble, or on your own with one person from another household.

For medical reasons or medical appointments, and to escape injury or harm.

To shop for food and essentials.

To provide care for vulnerable people. Other measures include:

You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household.

Individuals can meet one other person from another household outside in a public place.

Pubs, bars and restaurants are closed, although they will be able to offer takeaway and delivery services.

Non-essential retail, hairdressers, leisure and entertainment venues are closed.

Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people and it is advised that only close friends and family attend.

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances.

Places of worship are closed, unless being used for funerals, to broadcast acts of worship, for individual prayer, formal childcare, or essential services such as blood donation or food banks.

Manufacturing and construction workplaces can remain open.

Locally this means the council’s leisure centres run by Link4Life are closed and other council buildings, including libraries, are now also closed. You can still request and collect library items from Alkrington, Balderstone, Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton, Milnrow, and Spotland libraries. Visit www. rochdale.gov.uk/libraries to find out more. The housebound delivery service will continue for the most vulnerable customers.

Rochdale Register Office remains open, although no ceremonies will take place.

Most of Number One Riverside is also closed again, but a services desk and computers remain open only for customers with no other means of accessing support. The vast majority of council services can be accessed online at www.rochdale.gov.uk and by phone.

Both Dippy the dinosaur exhibitions at Number One Riverside and Touchstones are suspended.

Children’s Centres remain open for families accessing day-care, midwifery appointments and food clubs. They are also running virtual sessions for parents and babies. Early help teams are still on hand to support families who may need some further help.

Visit www.rochdale.gov. uk/earlyhelp for details.

The two Suez household waste and recycling centres remain open as normal.

The council have written to more than 2,000 local businesses affected by the new measures offering support and advice.

Financial assistance for businesses that were open on October 22 but are now forced to close, is available and can be applied for at www.rochdale.gov.uk/ coronavirus .

Sports clubs have been told their activities must cease.

Council leader Allen Brett thanked residents for their commitment to stop the spread of the virus.

He said: “Without the efforts of local people we would be seeing more cases and more lives lost.

“I realise there is frustration and anxiety around a further national lockdown. Whilst this is a worrying time, I want to reassure residents that the council are supporting all our communities – including vulnerable residents. We will ensure that support is swiftly available for businesses too. All you need to know is at www.rochdale.gov.uk/ coronavirus and our helpline on 01706 923685 remains open for residents that need support, emergency supplies or advice. I know we can get through this.”