Hartlepool Borough Council announces venue closures across town in bid to combat coronavirus crisis

The local authority announced the closure of its “non-essential services” following Boris Johnson’s speech at a press conference on Monday, March 17.

During the speech, the PM issued a warning to the public and told them to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.

Hartlepool Borough Hall, Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre and the Hartlepool Art Gallery are among the venues set to close with immediate effect.

Council-run centres in the town have also been impacted by the announcement.

Mill House Leisure Centre, Brierton Sports Centre, Headland Sports Centre, Summerhill Visitor Centre all set to shut up shop.

A decision has also been made to cancel all Hartlepool Borough Council events until the end of June. This includes the weekly outdoor market held on Thursdays.

All Council meetings are also being postponed pending national guidance.

Gill Alexander, Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I fully understand many people across Hartlepool will be feeling worried about coronavirus.

“I want to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that Hartlepool Borough Council and our partners are doing everything we can to support residents across the borough to be safe.

“We are working with our partners on the Hartlepool Health and Wellbeing Board to limit the spread of the virus and continue to monitor developments and follow national and regional advice.”