Stockport Council has revealed some changes to its services as the coronavirus lockdown continues to be eased.
In a statement the local authority said: “Planning has been taking place to make sure that, as we introduce changes to services, over a phased number of weeks, we are always prioritising the safety of residents and users.
“Residents can expect, in many cases, that services will not be exactly as they were before covid.
“This is because the council needs to deliver its services in a new, ‘covid-secure’ way, taking into consideration the council’s ongoing role in responding to covid as well as supporting the borough’s recovery.
“Many will have been adapted and modified to ensure people’s safety and will be reintroduced, where relevant, over a phased period of days and weeks.”
The council says its services and associated buildings and equipment now have increased cleaning schedules in place.
Hand sanitiser stations are available in its buildings serving the public, and it is also “strongly encouraging” people to follow the Public Health England social distancing guidelines, which ask people to stay twl metres apart wherever possible.
Services changes being introduced include:
Bowling greens
Stockport’s bowling greens opens for use by club members on Saturday. Bowling clubs should follow the advice of the government and the Crown Green Bowling Association. Ancillary facilities, such as pavilions, will remain closed for the foreseeable future
Services that will be reintroduced from today include:
Playgrounds and outdoor gyms
The first play areas will open from today and the council is aiming for Alexandra, Bruntwood, Bramhall, Marple Memorial, Torkington and Woodbank Parks to all be open. All remaining play areas and outdoor gyms will open no later than Friday July 17.
Signage will be displayed at each site when they are safe to be used and will remind parents to promote responsible behaviour, particularly with regard to maintaining social distancing and good hand hygiene.
Fred Perry House reception area
Adults social care and children’s services pre-booked appointments will start from Fred Perry House Reception today. These appointments are limited and there are no drop-in visitor services available.
Services that will be reintroduced from next Monday include:
Book borrowing and free IT use
A limited covid-secure book borrowing and IT provision will be offered at Hazel Grove, the Heatons, Marple and Reddish. This will consist of an order and collect book service and bookable IT slots.
To find out more visit https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/libraries
Car parking
Parking charges are to resume in all Stockport Council car parks and on-street pay-and-display locations from Monday July 13
Motorists are encouraged to make touch free, coin free payments using the RingGo app. on their mobile device - no additional charges, no need to carry coins, free reminders when your parking is running out and the ability to extend your parking without returning to your vehicle. For more information visit: https://ringgo.co.uk