Council services continue during Covid-19 pandemic
Tendring District Council (TDC) is continuing to support the community during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Though council offices are closed to the public, staff are working remotely where possible to keep services running and phone lines open – while the most vulnerable are supported with the Careline service, where the exceptional team is providing a 24 hour round-the-clock service.
As well as closing its offices to the public, TDC leisure centres closed on Saturday in line with new government guidance, and play areas are also now being shut to support social distancing efforts.
Those attending services at Weeley Crematorium are being asked to restrict numbers to immediate or close family only, to reduce the level of contact with staff there.
Officers in the Benefits and Housing teams are taking calls as normal and are still supporting those who are or have the threat of becoming homeless, and waste collections are continuing as per usual.
Each councillor has been given a one-off fund of £1,000, to support community groups in their ward who in turn are helping people during Covid-19. Meanwhile, a rent free period for all Community Halls owned by the Council and eligible for Community Assets Rent Off Setting Scheme (CAROS) has been introduced.
To support work in the community, the council is also co-ordinating a database to match initiatives, groups and organisations with vulnerable people. TDC is working closely with many local groups, to offer support and guidance, and such organisations should flag their work by emailing volunteergroups@tendringdc.gov.uk.
The public are encouraged to follow TDC social media pages during Covid-19, and the following website for all updates to council services: www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus
Business in the district can also access information on business rate relief and grants for support during the pandemic using the above link, and updates on Government guidance for businesses will be shared through the Business Services newsletter once received.
People are still encouraged to call Careline on 01255 222022 if they have an emergency out of office hours, but residents are reminded to use the service sensibly – and that it is not there to provide travel updates or inform them which shops are open.
Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, praised the efforts put in by everyone across the district in keeping things running during one of the most difficult periods in recent times.
“Just as TDC has come together, with the joint statement made by all the political group leaders last week, we can see the whole district joining forces to support each other in these trouble times,” Cllr Stock said.
“We know there is a lot of uncertainty, and people will have a lot of questions. This is a rapidly developing situation, and so we will do our best to keep people informed through our website and social media channels.
“Appreciating that not all of our residents can access these digital means, we would ask you to pass that message on – from a distance – to friends and family, recognising that anything we might send out in traditional forms may quickly become outdated.”
NEWSDESKS
For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.