DETAILS have been released on the BCP Council services that are set to continue or stay open throughout the second national lockdown.

During the spring and early summer, many parts of the local authority's operation and facilities had to close temporarily.

However, as residents prepare for at least another month under tighter restrictions, BCP Council leader Cllr Drew Mellor said some things would be different on this occasion.

Cllr Drew Mellor said: “Unlike the last lockdown when most council services closed, this time we are able to keep many frontline services up and running, including public toilets, so making our beaches and parks more accessible to local people wanting to take exercise in our fabulous open spaces.

"Being outdoors and getting fresh air is particularly important for our mental health at times like this, so I would encourage local people to make the most of what we have on our doorsteps and enjoy exercise in your local open space.”

The following BCP Council services are set to continue or stay open throughout lockdown:

  • Household recycling centres, refuse collection, garden waste collection, commercial waste
  • Public toilets
  • Promenade, piers, beaches and parks, with catering outlets offering takeaway only
  • Car parks
  • Allotments
  • Playgrounds and skate parks
  • Beach hut tenants can continue to use their huts.

A BCP Council spokesperson said residents are reminded that national restrictions apply, so social distancing, reduced contact between households, wearing of face coverings in enclosed public spaces and hand washing continue to be required.

Social care services are continuing to operate to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Due to the required restrictions, some services are being reduced or closed, as follows: Upton County Park and Highcliffe Castle grounds will be open with catering takeaway services, the House and Castle will be closed

  • Museums to close
  • Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre to close, with classes offered online
  • Tennis courts, outdoor bowling, all mini-golf and Queen’s Park Golf Course will close
  • Amusement arcades will close
  • Visitor centre and the Beach Lodges to close
  • Kings Park Nursery will close for winter as scheduled on Sunday, November 8
  • Weddings will not be held and funerals continue to be restricted to 30 mourners
  • All BCP Council libraries will be closed from November 5 during the period of national lockdown.

Providing more details on libraries, the council said all live loans will be extended for six weeks minimum.

If Government regulations permit, the local authority will restart Order & Collect pick up services and the doorstep deliveries ,Home Library Service. An will update will be given as soon as more guidance is provided. Guidance on markets is also awaited.

Cllr Mellor added: “I don’t underestimate the very difficult position that the latest announcement places local businesses in, and those in the hospitality sector.

"We are looking at all available options to support our local economy too and will share more details when we have them.”

Schools, colleges, universities, food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services will remain open. 

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.

To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so, for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing, they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace. Public sector employees working in essential services should continue to go into work .