Safety of the community is the absolute priority as Calderdale chief has say on lockdown changes

Calderdale Council leader Councillor Tim Swift is reminding people that the COVID-19 lockdown is still in place, and is urging people to keep following social distancing rules to help save lives.

This comes as the country moves into the next phase of responding to the outbreak.

“Following the Government announcement on Sunday 10 May, there are no immediate changes to our services," said Coun Swift.

We are keeping all of our activities under regular review, working through the national guidance and determining what it means for each of our services. We will announce any changes when they are agreed.

“One thing is certain – the safety of our staff, customers and the whole community will remain our absolute priority.

"We can all play our part in ensuring this, and I’m grateful for the amazing united efforts to look after each other throughout the pandemic.

"Tragically, the virus is still having devastating impacts and we must continue to stay at home as much as possible and keep two metres apart from others at all times when we go out.”

For the time being, Council services will continue to run as they have done since lockdown came into place in March.

For example, it is still not possible for wedding ceremonies to go ahead at the moment – the Council is awaiting further guidance from the General Register Officer and will consider the possibility of further changes to services, but these will only be made when it is safe to do so.

The Council is urging people to continue to work from home if they possibly can.

If you have to travel, please avoid the rush hour, only use public transport for essential journeys, and walk or cycle whenever possible.

The Council is looking at facilities for cyclists and pedestrians to make this form of commuting and exercising as safe and easy as possible, whilst protecting their health.

Calderdale’s parks remain open, but anyone using them must follow the social distancing guidelines at all times.

Play areas are currently still closed and play equipment remains taped off to avoid the risk of infection.

The Council’s running tracks and sports courts also remain closed whilst it reviews the latest guidance and decides whether it is safe to reopen some services.

At the request of Yorkshire Water (the site owner), Ogden Water remains closed for safety reasons. No access to the site is allowed.

The paths around the estate are fenced off and the car parks are locked.

The Council’s Community Safety Wardens and Parking Enforcement officers, as well as the Police, are patrolling the area and engaging with members of the public to help them understand the rules. If people do not comply, officers will advise and warn if necessary and may use their legal powers where there is no other option.