24 Mar Three Basildon Council services to temporarily close this week to slow the spread of coronavirus
Basildon Council is stepping up its fight against the spread of coronavirus and protecting staff and the public by closing the reception at the Basildon Centre, the Crunch service and Barleylands Recycling Centre.
This follows government advice on social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Basildon Centre’s front of house will be closed from Wednesday 25 March onwards.
Basildon Council Chief Executive Scott Logan said: “Anyone needing to access Basildon Council’s services should first go to: www.basildon.gov.uk to get the most up to date information and details of how to access our usual services.
“For those who have questions or need support on coronavirus, we have set up a dedicated email address, one for residents and one for businesses:
“We also have a dedicated coronavirus phone line, which can be accessed by ringing the council on our normal number – 01268 533 333 – and selecting Option 1 immediately.
“Appointment only visits will be available through the digital community hub (coronavirusresidents@basildon.gov.uk or 01268 533 333 and press 1) but these will only be given as an emergency.”
The borough’s mobile tip service – Crunch – has also been suspended, and the Recycling Centre at Barleylands has been closed for the foreseeable future.
The Crunch service will stop from this weekend (Saturday 28 March) and will not resume until further notice.
Leader of Basildon Council Councillor Gavin Callaghan said: “We are making decisions each day to balance the need to continue delivering essential services and support those most in need, while following public health guidance to protect the public and staff against infection from coronavirus.
“We are keeping access to parks and play areas under review. People should not be going out unless absolutely necessary.
“We will review how people are using Council parks and if guidelines are not being followed we will need to look at closing them by the end of the week.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but we must do all we can ensure the wellbeing of staff and residents at this difficult time.
“We also remind everyone to continue to check the UK Government’s advice at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
“Please continue to stay home and stay safe.”
The council’s Refuse and Cleansing Teams will continue to work alongside National Enforcement Solutions to tackle flytipping across the borough during this period.
For further service updates visit www.basildon.gov.uk/coronavirus
