Leisure and community centres in Nottinghamshire closed due to coronavirus

Following the Government’s call to reduce social contact, Newark and Sherwood District Council is now closing a number of leisure and community centres, cafes and museums.

In response to the pandemic, it has announced that the closures will include the Palace Theatre, Newark, Nineteen20 Cafe Bar, National Civil War Museum, leisure centres operated by Active4Today at Newark, Blidworth, Dukeries and partner site Southwell Leisure Centre Trust and community centres with effect from March 18, 2020.

In a statement the council says the situation will be reviewed on a monthly basis, and will take into account the latest Government advice and guidance.

Council owned Gladstone House, Newark, and Vale View, Newark, both of which provide supported housing accommodation for those in retirement, will still remain open to visitors, provided that they are not unwell or showing any symptoms of the virus. However, all communal areas will be closed along with the Truly Beauty hairdressing salon at Gladstone House.

Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said “We’ve been doing our very best to maintain services at the same time as responding to the pandemic.

“With the situation escalating, we now have to play our part in helping to reduce the spread and the speed of the virus in order to protect the public and our own staff. Closing facilities and shutting down services is very much a last resort and a clear indication of the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in.

“We want to do everything we possibly can do to support those who are impacted by the virus – individuals, families and businesses – and will be announcing a range of measures very soon, once we have further information from national Government."

The council is currently looking into setting up a dedicated helpline service to identify vulnerable people and those needing additional support, details of which will be available shortly.