Bin collections, the recycling centre and community venues: Which council services are still running in Hartlepool

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs have taken numerous actions to date to tackle the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, particularly supporting vulnerable people.

Certain services have been stopped and venues closed until further notice, such as the household recycling service, green waste service, bulky waste collections, town centre mechanical sweepers, and school crossing patrols.

All leisure centres, youth clubs, town centre markets and cultural venues, including the Town Hall Theatre, Borough Hall and Hartlepool Art Gallery, are also closed until further notice.

Certain services are also only being carried out in reduced capacity due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Street cleansing services have been cut back to minimum levels with a focus on emptying waste and dog bins.

In light of this, council chiefs have urged residents to help the area by keeping streets and green spaces clean.

This includes taking any litter home, and residents cleaning up after their dogs and where possible taking the bags home to bin.

Interactive map showing the latest number of COVID-19 cases.

Council leader Councillor Shane Moore said: “This is an unprecedented situation we face and I would also call on all Hartlepool residents to play their part and be mindful of the impact of their actions on others.

“In particular, this weekend we have had reports of overflowing dog waste bins and I would ask dog owners to clean up after their dog and – wherever possible – take the bags home to bin.

“Hartlepool has a great tradition of coming together to support one another in times of need and I’ve heard and seen so many examples of this over the past fortnight.

“Most importantly, please continue to stay at home and follow government advice to take your exercise locally.”

Other reduced services include grass cutting and grounds maintenance, which will be restricted to minimum levels with the exception of areas where it is needed to ensure public safety.

Council chiefs have also said they will only carry out emergency highway and street repairs, while only essential gully cleaning will take place.

Parks remain open to pedestrians for the purpose of exercising. However, play areas around the town, including those within parks, are closed until further notice.

Council chiefs also yesterday (March 30) announced they have closed the three Seaton Carew beachfront car parks to encourage people to abide by government restrictions on movement.

Children’s Centres are closed to open access, but appointments can be booked to see staff – allowing parents to access health visitors and community nursery nurses.

Additionally crematorium and burial services continue to operate but in line with government Covid-19 guidance.

Council chiefs also assured a number of services continue to run as normal despite the Covid-19 outbreak.

Refuse and recycling collections continue as normal for now, while passenger transport will continue to operate while schools remain open and there is a demand.

The school meal service for children of critical key workers and children eligible for free school meals is still available, while CCTV continues to operate 24/7.

Council chiefs have also introduced a number of specialist services to support people during the pandemic.

Hartlepool Support Hub has been launched to support anyone self-isolating or unable to leave their home during the coronavirus outbreak.

The council is also offering support to local businesses through increased grants and business rate relief, after national funding from the government.

Council chiefs have also reminded an online library service is available to residents.

Two free digital services – BorrowBox and RBDigital – are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with apps available to download, and all people need is a valid library card and a smartphone or tablet.

Council chiefs added they are continuing to review measures on a daily basis.

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