Coronavirus: Nottinghamshire council asks people to cancel their weddings and puts aside £1 million for community critical services

Nottingham City Council’s leader Cllr Kay Cutts MBE said the “extraordinary circumstances” of Covid 19 would impact on “all aspects of our lives” as the council responded to the crisis.

It has set aside £1million to be used to help support community efforts to respond and provide for those who are most in need.

In a raft of measures the council also highlighted services being closed or curtailed, whilst resources are being diverted to prioritise the most essential services for elderly, vulnerable people and children.

Cllr Cutts said: “This emergency will test us all. We know that people will be anxious about how they will stay safe and live their lives, work and care for their families during these difficult times.

“I can assure you that this council is working tirelessly to make sure that every provision is made so that the most vulnerable people are safe.

“We are following Government advice and whatever measures we take they will be geared towards protecting our most vulnerable residents, communities and workforce.

“Our services will reflect advice in relation to gathering in groups and social distancing. We are working with service providers to ensure that critical front-line services continue.

“As we prioritise the most essential services for elderly, vulnerable people and our most vulnerable children we will have to divert resource away from other areas.

“Our workforce is having to adapt to new ways of working and learn new skills. We thank them for their resilience and hard work at this challenging time.

“We remain in contact with our NHS partners, Government departments and District Council partners and are working together to support our communities to respond to the pandemic.

“The Council has set aside £1 million to be used to help support the communities’ efforts to respond and provide for those who are most in need.

“Our urgent priority for now is to make sure we continue to provide essential support through our adults' and children’s social care functions and other public health commissioned services.”

Affected service are:

- Youth Services are open but focusing on individual young people through face-to-face meetings, telephone and other technology. Group sessions cancelled.

- Country Parks - visitor facilities at Rufford Abbey, Sherwood Forest, Bestwood and Holme Pierrepont Country Parks closed over the weekend. Free public access to parks continue. People are encouraged to visit whilst observing social distancing.

- Council outdoor education sites Hagg Farm, Hathersage, Derbyshire, and Perlethorpe close from March 23 until further notice.

- Libraries and archives venues close from March 23. Adult learning, arts and music services will cease. More information at www.inspireculture.org.uk

- Children’s Centres, group activities and general public access stop from March 23. Individual appointments may still proceed in some locations.

- Day Services – no group support at day centres from March 23. Day care and support continue. Home support planned for some.

- Registration Services: birth or death as usual. Weddings, couples will be contacted and urged to postpone or limit visitors.Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus for details