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.

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.

TDC owned public conveniences, leisure centres and play areas are now closed to support social distancing efforts.

All car parks across the district are closed, apart from the lower levels of the High Street car park (Clacton) to allow space for shoppers along with the car park at the Naze (Walton).

The grounds at Weeley Crematorium are now closed to the public, services will continue, however those attending are being asked to restrict numbers to immediate or close family only, to reduce the level of contact with staff there.

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.

“We know there is a lot of uncertainty, and people will have a lot of questions. This is a rapidly developing situation and we are adapting our working practices to ensure our residents and officers are kept as safe as possible.”

“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.”

27/03/20

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.