The Tameside services changing or closing during third lockdown

Some services and facilities in Tameside are closing or changing how they operate during the country's third coronavirus lockdown.

Frontline services like bin collections, gritting, street collections, as well as social care services will continue as normal with hundreds of staff continuing to work in the community.

Libraries in Tameside will not be open for general use and browsing, however online services, the order and collect service and the home library service will continue.

There will also be ‘strictly managed’ access to public computers in library buildings to assist with issues such as job applications, benefit claims and digital access to other public services.  

The Local Studies and Archives Centre will be closed, but chiefs say it will continue to answer enquiries, and search facilities will remain in place for the online image archive.

All of the borough’s museums and galleries – including Portland Basin and Astley Cheetham gallery – will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown. 

Marriages and civil partnerships can only proceed in ‘exceptional circumstances’, with a maximum of six people in attendance including the wedding party.

Special circumstances include one of the couple being at the end of their life, being pregnant, moving abroad or going into the army.

Up to 20 people can attend funerals at Dukinfield Crematorium but the guidance has changed to allow just six people at the scattering of cremated remains.

Both Ashton and Hyde market halls are open from 9am to 4pm, with essential businesses continuing to serve the public.

A number of both essential and non-essential businesses are offering click and collect, and a delivery service. 

The outdoor markets in Ashton and Hyde are only ‘partially’ open, with a limited number of traders selling essential items on an ‘ad hoc’ basis in the week.

Household waste and recycling centres in the borough will remain open, however residents are urged to only visit facilities where it is essential.

Residents who do visit the tip are encouraged to separate waste and recycling before their visit to make it easier to use the site quickly, as well as maintaining two-metre social distancing from other site users and washing hands before and after visiting.

Parks and playgrounds will remain open for exercise but people are asked to avoid anywhere that is crowded, stay socially distanced and use hand sanitiser before and after using any playground equipment. 

Tameside council leader Brenda Warrington said: “We know how important our services are to local residents and, where we have to close buildings to comply with restrictions and keep people safe, we are doing everything we can to deliver these services differently and provide safer alternatives.

“We have hundreds of staff working hard on the front line and behind the scenes to keep services running smoothly and support the community and I would like to thank them for their continued dedication over what has been a very challenging 10 months.

“I’m really proud of how our community has come together to support each other through this pandemic. As part of this, please shop local and support local traders and businesses where you can.

“And finally I must urge everyone to please stick to the rules to protect yourselves, your loves ones and your local community and to protect the NHS and save lives.”

For further information and details of how to get help and support during lockdown see www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus or call 0161 342 8355.