Covid-19: Council services updates

North Lincolnshire Council is continually following the latest Government guidance in relation to the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Keep an eye on this page for the latest updates on council services affected.

Further details on coronavirus, including how to reduce the spread of the virus and latest Government advice on social distancing and self-isolation can be found on the coronavirus page.

Wednesday 25 March, 10.31am

As well as supporting local people during the current pandemic, North Lincolnshire Council continues to provide the majority of its normal services. This includes planning, which is operating but with some minor changes to keep the staff and people using the service safe.

The council has robust systems in place for people to work remotely – including people working in the planning service.

As normal general enquires can be sent by email to planning@northlincs.gov.uk or by calling the council’s contact centre on 01724 297000. Case officers can be contacted directly using their email address.

Planning applications can be submitted online via the planning portal. Any representations to planning applications or notifications should be sent through the council’s planning pages on its website or by emailing planning@northlincs.gov.uk.

Please avoid submitting anything in paper to the department at this time.

Unaccompanied site visits that do not require entry to a property will continue but face to face meetings have had to be postponed.

Tuesday 24 March, 4.25pm

Latest update from Penny Spring, Director of Public Health:

“Yesterday the advice from the government in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak changed significantly. The clear messages – to reduce the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our communities – are as follows:

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
• Stay two metres away from other people
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

“By staying at home, you will be playing a vital role in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and significantly decreasing the pressure already placed on the NHS. 

“You will also be protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, who are already at risk. These people are strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for a period of at least twelve weeks. A letter will have been, or will be sent, to all of these people. 

“Households with possible coronavirus symptoms should follow the strict measures in place and the guidance on the government’s website. This includes:

• do not go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital
• you do not need to contact NHS 111 to tell them you’re staying at home
• testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home

“As far as catching the virus goes, the message is once again very simple. If you show any of the most common symptoms – either a new continuous cough or a high temperature – you MUST stay at home. 

“You do not need to go to your GP, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact the NHS to tell them you’re staying at home, and testing for coronavirus is not needed. 

“We’re fortunate to live in a time where communication is at its very best, so please make use of the technology available. Video calls and social media are an easy and useful way of keeping in touch with one another – although nothing beats simply picking up the phone to check on someone. 

“As a nation and as a community, this is could be the most difficult thing we have collectively faced for a generation. But by pulling together, looking out for one another and not being selfish we can beat this virus.”

Tuesday 24 March, 2.45pm

In line with the latest Government advice on social distancing, North Lincolnshire Council will be limiting funeral services to close family members only.

Hand sanitiser will be provided at all funeral services and cleaning regimes have been increased to protect those family members attending.

For people unable to attend the funeral service due to the current restrictions, the service can be made available online but this will need to be arranged via your chosen funeral director.

From Tuesday 24 March, all witnessed scatterings are being suspended until further notice.

The collection of ashes may be made but this must be by prior appointment and can only be collected by one person or your nominated funeral director.

The council Bereavement Services office has closed to the general public, but we understand this is a very difficult time for families and will do all we can to support you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01724 747555, or email: crematorium@northlincs.gov.uk

Tuesday 24 March, 2pm

Tuesday 24 March, 11.50am

Due to the latest government guidance on social distancing and advice from England Golf, Normanby Hall Golf Course is closed until further notice.

North Lincolnshire Council is prioritising the protection vulnerable people across our communities.

Memberships have been frozen for all direct debt payers. For members who pay annually, the period that we are closed will be added to your membership when the course re-opens.

Tuesday 24 March, 10.20am

Following national guidance regarding the vital importance of social distancing access to play areas across the region has been suspended. Green open spaces remain open, with the exception of Sheffield Park in Scunthorpe.

This is being done to help restrict the spread of coronavirus, protecting the safety of residents and the workforce.

Government guidance states that people should only go out once a day for exercise alone or with people in their household.

The team will be asked to re-focus their support to the most vulnerable people in the communities of North Lincolnshire.

Tuesday 24 March, 9.25am

The Shopmobility scheme has been temporarily closed until further notice to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Tuesday 24 March, 8.31am

We’ve gathered some frequently asked questions we’ve been receiving about leisure memberships and put them in one place for everyone to see.

Monday 23 March, 2.45pm 

Communities across North Lincolnshire are urged to recycle and reuse their garden waste.

To ensure the most vulnerable people are protected in our communities, we are reshaping our waste and recycling offer and asking communities to dispose of their garden waste in alternative ways.

From Monday 23 March, brown bin collections will be suspended to allow us to prioritise protecting vulnerable people and enabling communities and the local economy to remain resilient throughout this time.

Ways in which garden waste can be reused include:

• Home composting

Composting is a natural form of recycling garden and kitchen waste (for example, vegetable peelings), plants and leaves into a quality compost at virtually no cost to you. If you have a garden, you could turn this waste into compost rather than throwing it away.

Further details on home composting, including the benefits and ‘how to’ can be found on our website.

• Grass-cycling

Grass-cycling can help reduce the mess and strain of bagging up the cuttings, and actually improves your lawn. Leaving grass cuttings on your lawn helps grass to naturally breakdown valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil – making it grow greener, healthier and thicker. It also discourages weeds growing.

More information on grass-cycling, including the best time to do it, can be found on our website.

We understand that not everyone will be able to home compost or grass-cycle, but this is where the community can help. Everyone is encouraged to be a good neighbour and help out others.

Monday 23 March, 1.45pm

Residents are urged to reduce their visits to household recycling centres.

This weekend we saw a huge increase in the number of people visiting our household recycling centres across North Lincolnshire.

We would like to remind people to follow social distancing measures in line with government guidance to “reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19)”.

Staff at household recycling centres will continue to direct members of the public and maintain the safe operation of the sites.  To ensure staff follow social distancing guidance they are unable to help visitors carry and dispose of their waste at the sites during this time. If it’s essential you visit the household recycling centre, please make sure you can dispose of your waste yourself and follow social distancing measures. This will help ensure the most vulnerable people are protected in our communities.

Monday 23 March, 11am

The by-elections in the Ashby and Broughton & Appleby wards due to take place on Thursday 26 March have been postponed.

Sunday 22 March, 10.15am

Normanby Hall Country Park, including the grounds and play areas, will close from 2pm on Sunday 22 March until further notice.

This is in response to government guidance on social distancing, and to help restrict the spread of coronavirus. Our team will be asked to re-focus their support onto our priorities and the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Friday 20 March, 10.30pm

The Register Office will be open to appointments only from Monday 23 March at Church Square House.

Registering a death or birth:

Please ring 01724 298 555 to make an appointment before attending. Please do not attend without an appointment as we are operating a reduced service and may not be able to see you.

To minimise risk, it is requested only two people attend registration appointments. Payment can only be accepted by card.

If you have been in contact with, or are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 and need to register a death, please do not attend an appointment and contact the Register Office for advice.

Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies:

From Sunday 22 March, there will be a restriction placed on the number of people who can be present during a wedding or civil partnership formation; this will be restricted to 6 people – the couple, two witnesses and the registration staff. In the event that either you or your witnesses are self-isolating or displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please contact us as soon as possible to make a plan.

Although there has been no formal ban on gatherings, we want to ensure the health and wellbeing of all of our couples and their families, and of our staff, and that marriage and civil partnerships can continue take place.

If you have a ceremony booked to take place before the end of June in North Lincolnshire, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss it with you. You will be able to re-arrange the date free of charge, and any fees paid will be honoured. You can email us registrars@northlincs.gov.uk to discuss this.

Certificate applications:

If you require a birth or death certificate where the event took place in North Lincolnshire from 1993 onwards, you can order online or by telephoning 01724 297000. All certificates will be posted. If you ordered a certificate for collection before 20 March, please contact us and we will post the certificate to you. We are unable to produce priority certificates. You can order them through the General Register Office instead.

Please be aware that guidelines are evolving rapidly and may change; we will continue to update you and work with our partners to deliver this information, as and when it changes.

Friday 20 March, 6.10pm

The Cabinet meeting due to take place on Monday 23 March at 3pm has been postponed.

Friday 20 March, 4.15pm

The Building Control service is running as normal and can be contacted in the usual ways by telephone or email.

Friday 20 March, 2.43pm

Penny Spring, Director of Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, gives a brief update on the status of Covid-19 in North Lincolnshire.

Friday 20 March, 2.25pm

Imagination Library update: Parents are being encouraged to register for the Imagination Library scheme online, rather than in person. You can do this by visiting the Imagination Library page on our website.

When many of us are at home, books can be a brilliant way of transporting us to other worlds. With a North Lincolnshire Library card you can download ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines free to your device – you can find more information on the online library resources page on our website. If you don’t have a library card you can apply for it by emailing: library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk.

Our team has shared some of their favourite websites with reading resources and activities to keep children occupied:

• The National Literacy Trust have created a family zone page with resources and activities aimed at 9 to 12 year olds. Visit the National Literacy Trust website.
• Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child’s communication skills. Explore simple activities and play ideas and find out about their amazing early development. Visit the Tiny Happy People page at the BBC website.
• Big Little Moments: Babies and toddlers are growing and learning every day and the little moments you share can make a big difference. From morning time to bedtime, waiting for the bus to playing together, every moment is a chance to help build a child’s brain. Visit the Big Little Moments page on the Small Steps Big Changes website.
• BBC Bitesize: Great for supporting home learning, lots of fun and interactive session and games for children of all ages across the curriculum. Visit the Bitesize page on the BBC website.
• Twinkl: A fabulous resource to support home learning with lots of resources, lessons and ideas to keep the children busy. Twinkl have removed their fee so that is is free to access over the coming months. Visit the Twinkl website.

Friday 20 March, 10.20am

Normanby Hall Country Park update: The buildings at Normanby Hall Country Park will close from 4pm on Friday 20 March until further notice. This includes the Hall, Rural Life Museum, Stableyard Cafe and the Gift Shop.

The grounds, including the children’s playground, will remain open for visitors to enjoy the nature and fresh air. Please be mindful of social distancing. After 4pm on Friday 20 March entry to the grounds will be free.

Go Ape Normanby Hall will be closed following government guidance.

Normanby Hall Golf Course remains open.

Friday 20 March, 9.55am

Bereavement Services update: In line with the guidance from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authority, and government guidance on social distancing to reduce exposure to our staff in this critical service, the public office at Woodlands Crematorium will be temporarily closed to the public from Monday 23 March and will provide secure post boxes.

There is currently no ban on gatherings, so funerals can still take place. Where funeral ceremonies are to take place, families should be advised to consider restricting attendance to close family and friends only to minimise the number of people in a relatively small place.

Families are also encouraged to follow the government’s advice to stay at home for 14 days if they show symptoms. People over 70, with an underlying health problem or pregnant women are particularly encouraged to heed this advice.

Family and friends who are unable to attend a funeral can watch the service online. Please contact your funeral director for further details. We will keep this under review in light of web capacity.

Where possible, hand sanitiser will be provided at funeral services and our cleaning regime has been increased to protect the public.

We will suspend witnessed scattering services for the time-being.

Collection of ashes may be made by prior appointment by one person to minimise unnecessary contact.

We understand this is a very difficult time for families and we will do all we can to support you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01724 747555 or email at crematorium@northlincs.gov.uk.

Please be aware that the situation is ever evolving and guidance may need to be updated in line with government guidance as and when it is issued.

Friday 20 March, 9.45am

The North Lincolnshire Council contact centre will be operating extended opening times from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week starting tomorrow (Saturday 21 March) to respond to any queries local residents may have. Please call 01724 297000.

Friday 20 March, 8.00am

Facilities update: From 4pm today the teams which usually run libraries, leisure and recreational facilities, museums and children’s centres will be asked to re-focus their support onto our priorities and the most vulnerable people in our communities. The buildings will be closed to support this massive effort.

We understand that many of you will be wondering about what will happen in relation to your membership of some of these venues. We will make a decision and communicate this to you as soon as possible. However, our priority at the moment is to protect public health by ensuring our colleagues are well and able to work in different locations across North Lincolnshire, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Thursday 19 March, 4.29pm

Domestic waste collections are continuing as normal. Please follow the government guidance on waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues).

Thursday 19 March, 4.18pm

North Lincolnshire Council is working closely with all childcare settings to ensure that there will be enough childcare available to meet the needs of parents. Please keep in contact with your existing childcare provider who will be able to advise you of their latest position. If you do not usually use childcare but now need it please contact the Family Information Service, who will be able to advise where places are available and help with costs of childcare. Please ensure that you use Ofsted registered childcare at this time to ensure a safe and supportive environment for your child.

Thursday 19 March, 2.18pm

Following the latest updates and advice from the government and health organisations, all North Lincolnshire libraries remain open. You can, however, download ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines to your device – you can find more information about that on the online library resources page on our website. This online service is free, all you need is a North Lincolnshire Library card. If you don’t have one of these you can apply for it by emailing library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk.

Thursday 19 March, 2.16pm

Further council-led events have been cancelled or postponed in North Lincolnshire:

• 18 March, Waters’ Edge Visitors Centre – Deaf Awareness Workshop
• 21 March, Waters’ Edge Visitors Centre – Willow Weaving Workshop
• 21 March, Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire – Homeownership Expo
• 28 March, Brigg – The Brigg FoodFest
• 31 March, Waters’ Edge Visitors Centre – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Event
• 4 April, Normanby Hall Golf Course Open Day
• 26 April, Ancholme Leisure Centre – Early Ancholme Pool Sprint
• 20 June, North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Day

You can see the rest in the earlier update. There are a number of other events set to take place across in the county in coming months that are not organised by the council. Please contact the event organisers directly for updates.

Thursday 19 March, 1.40pm

The school crossing patrol service will stop from Monday 23 March until further notice in line with schools closing.

Thursday 19 March, 1.30pm

Residents are encouraged to check with bus operators before travelling as emergency timetables are being implemented. Follow the links below or use the telephone numbers provided for further information.

• Traveline website
• East Yorkshire website or call 01482 592929
• First South Yorkshire website or call 0345 646 0707
• Hornsbys website or call 01724 282255
• Isle buses – call 01427 728227. Please note that, after Friday 27 March, service 291 will, temporarily, no longer be running. From Friday 27 March, the 399 service will run Monday to Friday only. The usual times apply apart from the 4pm departure from Scunthorpe to Doncaster, this run will terminate at 5.08pm at Westwoodside and won’t go through to Doncaster.
• Stagecoach website or FAQ page – call 0345 605 0 605

Thursday 19 March, 11.12am

As the situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we want to assure you that the health of our leisure centre customers and staff is of the utmost importance.

We are carefully following the latest updates and advice from the government and health organisations to carry out continual contingency planning, and we will take measures to ensure we respond accordingly.

Our leisure centre facilities are currently fully open. We want to reassure everyone that due to the coronavirus, we are doing all we can within ours buildings and public areas to ensure it is as safe an environment as possible. We already have a routine and highly standardised cleaning regime, however we are now taking additional actions such as regular disinfecting frequently touched items such as door handles, equipment and surfaces.  There will also be hand sanitiser available for anyone who wishes to use it.

At present, all activities will still be going ahead as usual, however, we continue to monitor Government advice and if anything changes you will be updated.

Thursday 19 March, 11.03am

Following the announcement from the Government yesterday about school closures, we are working with all schools in North Lincolnshire. Further clarification is expected from the Government today with regards to key workers so more detailed plans can be put in place.

Thursday 19 March, 10.40am

The following council-led events have been cancelled or postponed in North Lincolnshire:

• 21 March, Scunthorpe Central – Shakespeare Week Celebrations
• 22 March, Axholme North Leisure Centre – Axholme North Uni
• 23 March, Baths Hall – Primary Dance Showcase
• 28 March and 25 April, Belton Country Park – Belton Country Park Task Day
• 28 March, Belton All Saints Church – Architecture on the Isle
• 6 and 15 April, Normanby Hall – Potter in the Park
• 8 April, Ashby Community Hub – Family Arts & Crafts Event
• 9 April, Scunthorpe Central – Peter Rabbit Story Telling
• 10 and 12 April, North Lincolnshire Museum – Copper Jewellery Making Workshops
• 11 April, Crowle Moors – Photography Nature Walk
• 11 April, Brigg Heritage Centre – Folk Map of North Lincolnshire Launch
• 11 to 12 April, Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre – Easter Craft Fair
• 12 April, Normanby Hall – Paws in the Park Challenge
• 18 April, Church Square Scunthorpe – Classic Car
• 20 April, The Baths Hall – 2 Face Dance
• 20 April, Crosby One – Festival of Learning

There are a number of other events set to take place across in the county in coming months that are not organised by the council. Please contact the event organisers directly for updates.