Coronavirus: Update from the leader and chief executive [March 25]

This week, the Government announced further measures to try and curb the spread of coronavirus.

This is an extremely worrying time for everyone in the borough.  But it is important we follow the government’s advice and guidance.

The measures to increase social distancing include:

·       Shopping for basic necessities

• One form of exercise a day
• Medical need
• To care for a vulnerable person
• Travelling to work only when absolutely necessary.

The full guidance for staying at home and away from others is available here.

As a result of this all non-essential shops and community spaces are closed – this includes play areas. Parks remain open for exercise but please do not gather in groups there.

An extensive list of the business the Government is saying must close as well as exceptions is available here.

Refuse collection is one of our essential services and and we are still able to run it as normally as possible at the moment. Further information on Council services here. 

We understand how difficult this is for everyone. These are really drastic measures. Most of us have never seen anything like this in our lifetimes.

But if we work together, support each other and most importantly, follow the Government’s instructions on this, we will be able to come through it.

It is of course vital to keep active at this time – and that includes going outside once a day for exercise or for any of the other exempt reasons – but please follow social distancing guidance whilst you do.

Rossendale Leisure Trust are also producing work-outs you can do at home which we will be sharing on our social media channels.

We are continuing to work with partners right across the borough, county as well as nationally in response to the coronavirus crisis.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader

Neil Shaw, Chief Executive