Biggleswade Town Council takes action to protect community during Coronavirus crisis

A spokesman, said: “We wish to inform you that the council staff will be working remotely as far as is practical from home, but a small team will be present within our offices to deal with essential business.

“The council offices are closed to the public, but we can be contacted by email or by telephone on 01767 313134.

“Due to our workload and limited team size, we kindly ask you to refrain from calling unless absolutely necessary, but to please email and we will reply as soon as possible.

“In these unprecedented times we are working on a response to both the national and local effort to combat the spread of Coronavirus.

“We wish to make you aware of the following actions by Biggleswade Town Council:

“The town council will continue to deal with essential activities, to include in particular cemetery and funeral management.

“Town council-managed open spaces will remain open for the public to exercise, in line with government advice but, unfortunately, the various enclosed play areas cannot be used until restrictions are lifted.

“The Tuesday and Saturday markets will be suspended for all but the traders who are covered by the government’s list of exceptions. However, individual stallholders may decide not to trade. Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate social distancing.

“The public toilets in Century House will be closed until further notice.

“Parking permits for residents and those who need to come into work are to be extended beyond the expiry date until restrictions have been lifted.

“Permit holders need take no action at this present time.

“Allotment holders may still access their plots, but must observe social distancing advice.

“The Orchard Centre is closed to the public and hirers until Government restrictions are lifted.

“We propose a moratorium on all contracts with regular hirers, to be reviewed when the centre can re-open.”