NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL SERVICE UPDATE – MONDAY 30 MARCH

CHANGES SINCE LAST SERVICE UPDATE ARE SHOWN IN RED

We aim to issue an update on the latest situation with council services every working day. Any new developments will be highlighted at the start of the update. Even if there are no new developments we will issue an update to say so! The latest information about services can also be found on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Weston Crematorium

The Crematorium has closed its grounds to the public. Staff are continuing to deal with enquiries on the phone and by email but have stopped face-to face contact.  Funerals are continuing but are limited to immediate family only.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) update

The council has already received over 35 responses to the plea for PPE. Thank you. Please keep it coming. Items donated include hand sanitiser, nitrile gloves and handmade masks and aprons.

Rough sleeping

We’ve been working hard to ensure that people are not homeless and since Thursday 19 March we’ve found accommodation for 29 people who were either rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping in North Somerset.

We are continuing to offer assistance to anyone who wants support.

We are working with two B&B owners in order to respond quickly and accommodate anyone needing help, not just those at risk or symptomatic.

We would like to thank our partner agencies for their ongoing support during this challenging time.

Bus services

Most bus services in North Somerset are now operating emergency timetables. Some services have now been suspended (please see below). We are directing all passengers to www.travelwest.info/coronavirus for more information about local bus, rail and coach services. Passengers can search for their local bus service number to find out if this service is operating and at what frequency.

We are asking people to only travel if their journey is essential and follow these travel recommendations:

  • Board the bus one at a time
  • Remain two metres apart
  • Pay via contactless or an app if you can
  • Do not travel if you feel unwell
  • Cough/sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your arm
  • Wash your hands before and after travelling.

To ensure the safety of drivers and passengers, we have now suspended the following council-supported services:

  • Bus Service 88 – Nailsea to Clevedon via Portishead
  • Bus Service A5 – Winford to Winscombe via Wrington
  • Community Bus L1 – Locking Parklands and Haywood Village
  • Community Bus B1 – Bleadon
  • Community Bus C1 – Worlebury
  • Community Bus C2 – South Road/Hillside.

Recycling and waste

Recycling and refuse collections are continuing as normal at the moment. Increased volumes of recycling are being put out and residents are being urged to help the crews cope by correctly sorting boxes.

Residents are also being asked to park sensibly to allow the crews to access kerbside waste.

The crews are being supported by council contractor Glendale who are collecting cardboard.

The Garden waste collection service is four crews down today. Winscombe, Flax Bourton, Weston Village, parts of Weston central, Backwell and North Worle are affected by this. Some of this will be done, but if not we are asking residents to bring their garden bin back in and re-present on the next garden collection day.

The council’s three recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare are closed until further notice.

Events

Weston Air Festival, due to have taken place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, has been cancelled.

Car parking

Due to a drop in usage the Sovereign Centre car park in Weston town centre has closed until further notice. Nearby on-street parking is available.

Parking charges in North Somerset are being waived for NHS staff and key workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Essential workers – such as NHS, social care staff, volunteers and key workers – can now park for free to enable them to carry out their critical work.

This applies to on-street pay and display areas and council-run car parks. They can also park without time limit in areas where it is free but usually time restricted. See press release for more details.

In addition to the Sovereign Centre car park, nine other council car parks are closed to reduce the opportunity for people to visit areas following the government announcement about the introduction of more stringent social distancing measures. They are:

  • Salthouse, Clevedon
  • Bus Terminus, Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Beach Road (opposite Commodore), Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare
  • Uphill Beach, Uphill
  • Knightstone Causeway, Weston-super-Mare (access will remain for residents)
  • Melrose, Weston-super-Mare
  • Worlebury Woods, Weston-super-Mare
  • Kilkenny Fields and cricket club car park Lake Grounds, Portishead.

Council offices

The Town Hall reception in Weston-super-Mare has now closed to the public until further notice. If you need to contact the council please do this online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect or over the phone at 01934 888 888.

If you usually come in and use one our council tax payment kiosks, please consider switching to online payments. You can find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/counciltax or pay by phone by calling 01934 888 121. You will need your 10-digit council tax reference number, which you can find on your bill, and your credit or debit card.

Children’s centres

All of our children’s centres are now closed, except for two – Yatton (Rowan Tree hub) and Ashcombe (Maple Tree Hub) – which are delivering midwifery services only.

If you need to contact a children’s centre please ring one of these and a member of the team will be able to help you with your query:

  • Portishead Children’s Centre – 01275 884 001
  • Clevedon Children’s Centre – 01934 426 440
  • Worle Children’s Centre and Library – 01934 426 618

Ashcombe Children’s Centre – 01934 426 380

  • Oldmixon Family Centre – 01934 426 881

If you need to contact your midwife please use the telephone number on the front of your yellow book.

Motex equipment and demonstration centre

The council’s equipment and demonstration centre at the Motex building in Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare has closed until further notice. There are notices on site with details of where customers can go to access council support and other providers. Telephone calls automatically redirect to Care Connect on 01934 888 801.

Business checks

North Somerset Council’s licensing team is working with the police to ensure local businesses are complying with the government’s closure order. Reports of any breaches will be investigated.

Business support

There is a round-up of the grant schemes and other measures in place to support businesses and employers at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Leisure centres and venues

All our leisure and sports centres are closed. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

All events are cancelled until further notice at the following venues – The Tropicana and Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare and Somerset Hall in Portishead. The Bay Café is also closed.

The Campus

The Campus in Weston-super-Mare is closed until further notice. However, the midwifery care at The Campus children’s centre will continue so people are to keep attending appointments and will be able to access the building.

Play areas

Play areas have been closed until further notice to ensure any visits to parks are only for the purposes of exercise as outlined by the government.

Registration Service

No ceremonies are being conducted and the service is open for death registrations only. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

Libraries

All North Somerset libraries, including the mobile library, are closed until further notice. While we recognise that libraries are important hubs of the communities which hundreds of people visit every day, our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff. 

Libraries are more than just a physical space and we aim to continue to deliver a range of services, including access to eBooks, eMagazines and eResources. The libraries service will be working hard to develop additional digital outreach. This could include online activities for pre-school children such as online Rhymetimes, keeping in touch with home service customers by phone to reduce risk of social isolation and promoting home-schooling resources.

We will also be making it easier for people to join online and this will be promoted widely, with investment for the coming financial year switched from hardcopy to digital to extend the eBook and eAudio titles offer.

Existing loans will be automatically extended until Wednesday 1 July. Please do not return any items borrowed from the library during this time and please do not leave them on library doorsteps, as they could be stolen or damaged.

Extended Access is not available at Portishead and Winscombe Libraries and Worle and Yatton Library and Children’s Centres.

Congresbury Community Library, which is run by volunteers, is also closed.

Some libraries share a building with children’s centres. If you are currently under midwifery care at one of the area’s children’s centres, keep attending at your usual location as these midwife appointments will continue.

For the latest updates follow us on Twitter at @nsomlibraries or on Facebook /NSlibraries.

Online services will still be available to use:

Online library from home:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinelibrary.

Including ebooks and audio books.

Enquiry service: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/leisure/libraries/enquiry-centre/.

To join online visit www.librarieswest.org.uk/join.

All critical services

We have plans in place to make sure critical front line services keep running as the coronavirus epidemic develops. These include identifying and training staff for possible redeployment into essential services, and looking at service changes that could be made in the coming weeks. Any changes will be advertised on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus

North Somerset Council is following the latest Government advice regarding the wellbeing of residents, staff and contractors during the developing coronavirus situation.

As a provider of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, the council will make sure it maintains service levels in critical areas.

The council is reviewing advice and information and will make update decisions daily in response to the changing situation.

Residents are urged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about services. Updates will also be posted to the council’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL UPDATE FRIDAY 27 MARCH

Help with your Council Tax

North Somerset Council is offering help to any residents having difficulty paying their Council Tax during the coronavirus crisis.

New service launching to help North Somerset residents access support

North Somerset Council is launching a new service to link residents in need to the fantastic support being offered by communities.

Essential services still being delivered

Essential services are still being provided by North Somerset Council during the coronavirus pandemic.

North Somerset Council service update – Friday 27 March

We aim to issue an update on the latest situation with council services every working day. Any new developments will be highlighted at the start of the update. Even if there are no new developments we will issue an update to say so! The latest information about services can also be found on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Events

Weston Air Festival, due to have taken place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, has been cancelled.

Car parking

Due to a drop in usage the Sovereign Centre car park in Weston town centre has closed until further notice. Nearby on-street parking is available.

Parking charges in North Somerset are being waived for NHS staff and key workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Essential workers – such as NHS, social care staff, volunteers and key workers – can now park for free to enable them to carry out their critical work.

This applies to on-street pay and display areas and council-run car parks. They can also park without time limit in areas where it is free but usually time restricted. See press release for more details.

In addition to the Sovereign Centre car park, nine other council car parks are closed to reduce the opportunity for people to visit areas following the government announcement about the introduction of more stringent social distancing measures. They are:

  • Salthouse, Clevedon
  • Bus Terminus, Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Beach Road (opposite Commodore), Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare
  • Uphill Beach, Uphill
  • Knightstone Causeway, Weston-super-Mare (access will remain for residents)
  • Melrose, Weston-super-Mare
  • Worlebury Woods, Weston-super-Mare
  • Kilkenny Fields and cricket club car park Lake Grounds, Portishead.

Council offices

The Town Hall reception in Weston-super-Mare has now closed to the public until further notice. If you need to contact the council please do this online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect or over the phone at 01934 888 888.

If you usually come in and use one our council tax payment kiosks, please consider switching to online payments. You can find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/counciltax or pay by phone by calling 01934 888 121. You will need your 10-digit council tax reference number, which you can find on your bill, and your credit or debit card.

Children’s centres

All of our children’s centres are now closed, except for two – Yatton (Rowan Tree hub) and Ashcombe (Maple Tree Hub) – which are delivering midwifery services only.

If you need to contact a children’s centre please ring one of these and a member of the team will be able to help you with your query:

  • Portishead Children’s Centre – 01275 884 001
  • Clevedon Children’s Centre – 01934 426 440
  • Worle Children’s Centre and Library – 01934 426 618
  • Ashcombe Children’s Centre – 01934 426 380
  • Oldmixon Family Centre – 01934 426 881

If you need to contact your midwife please use the telephone number on the front of your yellow book.

Motex equipment and demonstration centre

The council’s equipment and demonstration centre at the Motex building in Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare has closed until further notice. There are notices on site with details of where customers can go to access council support and other providers. Telephone calls automatically redirect to Care Connect on 01934 888 801.

Business checks

North Somerset Council’s licensing team is working with the police to ensure local businesses are complying with the government’s closure order. Reports of any breaches will be investigated.

Business support

There is a round-up of the grant schemes and other measures in place to support businesses and employers at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Leisure centres and venues

All our leisure and sports centres are closed. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

All events are cancelled until further notice at the following venues – The Tropicana and Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare and Somerset Hall in Portishead. The Bay Café is also closed.

The Campus

The Campus in Weston-super-Mare is closed until further notice. However, the midwifery care at The Campus children’s centre will continue so people are to keep attending appointments and will be able to access the building.

Play areas

Play areas have been closed until further notice to ensure any visits to parks are only for the purposes of exercise as outlined by the government.

Recycling and waste

Kerbside recycling and waste collections are continuing as normal for now – see press release. The council’s three recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare are closed until further notice.

Registration Service

No ceremonies are being conducted and the service is open for death registrations only. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

Libraries

All North Somerset libraries, including the mobile library, are closed until further notice. While we recognise that libraries are important hubs of the communities which hundreds of people visit every day, our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff. 

Libraries are more than just a physical space and we aim to continue to deliver a range of services, including access to eBooks, eMagazines and eResources. The libraries service will be working hard to develop additional digital outreach. This could include online activities for pre-school children such as online Rhymetimes, keeping in touch with home service customers by phone to reduce risk of social isolation and promoting home-schooling resources.

We will also be making it easier for people to join online and this will be promoted widely, with investment for the coming financial year switched from hardcopy to digital to extend the eBook and eAudio titles offer.

Existing loans will be automatically extended until Wednesday 1 July. Please do not return any items borrowed from the library during this time and please do not leave them on library doorsteps, as they could be stolen or damaged.

Extended Access is not available at Portishead and Winscombe Libraries and Worle and Yatton Library and Children’s Centres.

Congresbury Community Library, which is run by volunteers, is also closed.

Some libraries share a building with children’s centres. If you are currently under midwifery care at one of the area’s children’s centres, keep attending at your usual location as these midwife appointments will continue.

For the latest updates follow us on Twitter at @nsomlibraries or on Facebook /NSlibraries.

Online services will still be available to use:

Online library from home:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinelibrary.

Including ebooks and audio books.

Enquiry service:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/leisure/libraries/enquiry-centre/.

To join online visit www.librarieswest.org.uk/join.

All critical services

We have plans in place to make sure critical front line services keep running as the coronavirus epidemic develops. These include identifying and training staff for possible redeployment into essential services, and looking at service changes that could be made in the coming weeks. Any changes will be advertised on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus

North Somerset Council is following the latest Government advice regarding the wellbeing of residents, staff and contractors during the developing coronavirus situation.

As a provider of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, the council will make sure it maintains service levels in critical areas.

The council is reviewing advice and information and will make update decisions daily in response to the changing situation.

Residents are urged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about services. Updates will also be posted to the council’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

CONSIDER OUR BIN MEN WHEN DISPOSING OF ACTUAL/POTENTIAL CORONA VIRUS WASTE

North Somerset Council is urging anyone with symptoms of coronavirus to follow Government advice when disposing of personal waste.

The council and its contractors Biffa are also asking for the public’s patience and help ahead of likely service disruption in the coming weeks as the infection reduces staffing.

The latest Government guidance on disposing of personal waste is for anyone with symptoms, including those diagnosed with the infection who must remain at home until they are well. It also applies to people in households with someone showing symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus (a new continuous cough and/or high temperature).

Personal waste, such as tissues and disposable cleaning cloths, should be stored securely in disposable rubbish bags. These should then be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste within your home. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your black wheelie bin for collection.

Full details can be found by clicking on THIS LINK

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL UPDATE 25 MARCH

NOTE – NEW DEVELOPMENTS ARE SHOWN IN RED

Council offices

The Town Hall reception in Weston-super-Mare has now closed to the public until further notice. If you need to contact the council please do this online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect or over the phone at 01934 888 888.

If you usually come in and use one our council tax payment kiosks, please consider switching to online payments. You can find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/counciltax or pay by phone by calling 01934 888 121. You will need your 10-digit council tax reference number, which you can find on your bill, and your credit or debit card.

Children’s centres

All of our children’s centres are now closed, except for two – Yatton (Rowan Tree hub) and Ashcombe (Maple Tree Hub) – which are delivering midwifery services only.

If you need to contact a children’s centre please ring one of these and a member of the team will be able to help you with your query:

  • Portishead Children’s Centre – 01275 884 001
  • Clevedon Children’s Centre – 01934 426 440
  • Worle Children’s Centre and Library – 01934 426 618
  • Ashcombe Children’s Centre – 01934 426 380
  • Oldmixon Family Centre – 01934 426 881

If you need to contact your midwife please use the telephone number on the front of your yellow book.

Motex equipment and demonstration centre

The council’s equipment and demonstration centre at the Motex building in Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare has closed today until further notice due to the latest government restrictions. There will be notices on site with details of where customers can go to access council support and other providers. Telephone calls will automatically redirect to Care Connect on 01934 888 801.

Business checks

North Somerset Council’s licensing team is working with the police to ensure local businesses are complying with the government’s closure order. Reports of any breaches will be investigated.

Business support

There is a round-up of the grant schemes and other measures in place to support businesses and employers at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Leisure centres and venues

All our leisure and sports centres are closed. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

All events are cancelled until further notice at the following venues – The Tropicana and Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare and Somerset Hall in Portishead. The Bay Café is also closed.

The Campus

The Campus in Weston-super-Mare is closed until further notice. However, the midwifery care at The Campus children’s centre will continue so people are to keep attending appointments and will be able to access the building.

Play areas

Play areas have been closed until further notice to ensure any visits to parks are only for the purposes of exercise as outlined by the government.

Recycling and waste

Kerbside recycling and waste collections are continuing as normal for now – see press release. The council’s three recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare are closed until further notice.

Car parks

Nine council car parks are closed to reduce the opportunity for people to visit areas following the government announcement about the introduction of more stringent social distancing measures. They are:

  • Salthouse, Clevedon
  • Bus Terminus, Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Beach Road (opposite Commodore), Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare
  • Uphill Beach, Uphill
  • Knightstone Causeway, Weston-super-Mare (access will remain for residents)
  • Melrose, Weston-super-Mare
  • Worlebury Woods, Weston-super-Mare
  • Kilkenny Fields and cricket club car park Lake Grounds, Portishead.

Registration Service

No ceremonies are being conducted and the service is open for death registrations only. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

Libraries

All North Somerset libraries, including the mobile library, are closed until further notice. While we recognise that libraries are important hubs of the communities which hundreds of people visit every day, our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff. 

Libraries are more than just a physical space and we aim to continue to deliver a range of services, including access to eBooks, eMagazines and eResources. The libraries service will be working hard to develop additional digital outreach. This could include online activities for pre-school children such as online Rhymetimes, keeping in touch with home service customers by phone to reduce risk of social isolation and promoting home-schooling resources.

We will also be making it easier for people to join online and this will be promoted widely, with investment for the coming financial year switched from hardcopy to digital to extend the eBook and eAudio titles offer.

Existing loans will be automatically extended until Wednesday 1 July. Please do not return any items borrowed from the library during this time and please do not leave them on library doorsteps, as they could be stolen or damaged.

Extended Access is not available at Portishead and Winscombe Libraries and Worle and Yatton Library and Children’s Centres.

Congresbury Community Library, which is run by volunteers, is also closed.

Some libraries share a building with children’s centres. If you are currently under midwifery care at one of the area’s children’s centres, keep attending at your usual location as these midwife appointments will continue.

For the latest updates follow us on Twitter at @nsomlibraries or on Facebook /NSlibraries.

Online services will still be available to use:

Online library from home:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinelibrary.

Including ebooks and audio books.

Enquiry service:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/leisure/libraries/enquiry-centre/.

To join online visit www.librarieswest.org.uk/join.

All critical services

We have plans in place to make sure critical front line services keep running as the coronavirus epidemic develops. These include identifying and training staff for possible redeployment into essential services, and looking at service changes that could be made in the coming weeks. Any changes will be advertised on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus

North Somerset Council is following the latest Government advice regarding the wellbeing of residents, staff and contractors during the developing coronavirus situation.

As a provider of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, the council will make sure it maintains service levels in critical areas.

The council is reviewing advice and information and will make update decisions daily in response to the changing situation.

Residents are urged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about services. Updates will also be posted to the council’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL UPDATE

North Somerset Council service update – Tuesday 24 March

We aim to issue an update on the latest situation with council services every working day. Any new developments will be highlighted – for example, the information about car parks in today’s update. Even if there are no new developments we will issue an update to say so!

All critical services

We have plans in place to make sure critical front line services keep running as the coronavirus epidemic develops. These include identifying and training staff for possible redeployment into essential services, and looking at service changes that could be made in the coming weeks. Any changes will be advertised on our website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus

Business checks

North Somerset Council’s Licensing team have been out conducting business visits to check that social distancing measures are being observed following reports of breaches over the weekend and would like to thank businesses for complying. The issue has highlighted the importance of social distancing to protect ourselves and those around us.

Council offices

In line with the latest government advice if you need to contact us, please do this online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/connect or over the phone – please do not visit council offices if possible.

If you usually come in and use one our council tax payment kiosks, please consider switching to online payments. You can find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/counciltax or pay by phone by calling 01934 888 121. You will need your 10-digit council tax reference number, which you can find on your bill, and your credit or debit card.

Leisure centres and venues

All our leisure and sports centres are closed. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

All events are cancelled until further notice at the following venues – The Tropicana and Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare and Somerset Hall in Portishead. The Bay Café is also closed.

The Campus

The Campus in Weston-super-Mare is closed until further notice. However, the midwifery care at The Campus children’s centre will continue so people are to keep attending appointments and will be able to access the building.

Children’s centres

If you are currently under midwifery care at one of the area’s children’s centres, keep attending at your usual location as these midwife appointments will continue.

All universal groups such as Stay and Plays have stopped at all children’s centres. Most children’s centres are closed (apart for midwifery services) but four remain open – Portishead, Clevedon, Locking Castle and Ashcombe – for family support groups, such as those for vulnerable people and one-to-ones.

Play areas

Play areas have been closed until further notice to ensure any visits to parks are only for the purposes of exercise as outlined by the government.

Recycling and waste

Kerbside recycling and waste collections are continuing as normal for now – see press release. The council’s three recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare are closed until further notice.

Car parks

Nine car parks have been closed today to reduce the opportunity for people to visit areas following last night’s government announcement about the introduction of more stringent social distancing measures. They are:

  • Salthouse, Clevedon
  • Bus Terminus, Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Beach Road (opposite Commodore), Kewstoke/Sand Bay
  • Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare
  • Uphill Beach, Uphill
  • Knightstone Causeway, Weston-super-Mare (access will remain for residents)
  • Melrose, Weston-super-Mare
  • Worlebury Woods, Weston-super-Mare
  • Kilkenny Fields and cricket club car park Lake Grounds, Portishead.

Advice for businesses

There is a round-up of the measures being put in place to support businesses and employers at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Registration Service

No ceremonies will be conducted from today and the service will be open for death registrations only, in line with the government announcement yesterday. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

Libraries

All North Somerset libraries, including the mobile library, are closed until further notice. While we recognise that libraries are important hubs of the communities which hundreds of people visit every day, our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff. 

Libraries are more than just a physical space and we aim to continue to deliver a range of services, including access to eBooks, eMagazines and eResources. The libraries service will be working hard to develop additional digital outreach. This could include online activities for pre-school children such as online Rhymetimes, keeping in touch with home service customers by phone to reduce risk of social isolation and promoting home-schooling resources.

We will also be making it easier for people to join online and this will be promoted widely, with investment for the coming financial year switched from hardcopy to digital to extend the eBook and eAudio titles offer.

Existing loans will be automatically extended until Wednesday 1 July. Please do not return any items borrowed from the library during this time and please do not leave them on library doorsteps, as they could be stolen or damaged.

Extended Access is not available at Portishead and Winscombe Libraries and Worle and Yatton Library and Children’s Centres.

Congresbury Community Library, which is run by volunteers, is also closed.

Some libraries share a building with children’s centres. If you are currently under midwifery care at one of the area’s children’s centres, keep attending at your usual location as these midwife appointments will continue.

For the latest updates follow us on Twitter at @nsomlibraries or on Facebook /NSlibraries.

Online services will still be available to use:

Online library from home:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinelibrary.

Including ebooks and audio books.

Enquiry service:

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/leisure/libraries/enquiry-centre/.

To join online visit www.librarieswest.org.uk/join.

North Somerset Council is following the latest Government advice regarding the wellbeing of residents, staff and contractors during the developing coronavirus situation.

As a provider of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community, the council will make sure it maintains service levels in critical areas.

The council is reviewing advice and information and will make update decisions daily in response to the changing situation.

Residents are urged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information about services. Updates will also be posted to the council’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.