Roadmap out of lockdown: Calderdale Council reveals more changes and openings on May 17

As part of step 3 of the roadmap, most businesses, other than those in the highest risk sectors, can reopen, including indoor hospitality.

However, COVID secure guidance will remain in place including limits on the numbers of people allowed to meet.

From Monday up to six people or two households can meet indoors, with groups of up to 30 allowed in outdoor areas.

Additional Council services are also able to reopen from May 17, in line with the national roadmap and COVID-safety guidelines.

Shibden Hall will reopen for visitors from Monday May 17. Pre-booked tickets are required.

Initial efforts are focused on reopening Shibden safely, but detail about further museum reopenings, including Bankfield Museum, will be available soon the Council has said.

In addition to the sports centre sites already open at Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden; North Bridge Leisure Centre will reopen from Monday May 17.

Indoor classes can also resume at all sites, but social distancing means places are limited and must be pre-booked.

Swimming lessons for children will also resume from Monday May 17. All those whose lessons have been affected by the Halifax Pool closure have been contacted and alternative provision arranged. Coaching courses, badminton and outdoor five-a-side football (for FA registered clubs) can also resume.

The Victoria Theatre in Halifax will reopen in May with a series of socially distanced events. In addition to socially distanced seating in the auditorium, there will be one-way systems in place, enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser stations throughout the venue and staggered arrival times.

Audiences will also be required to wear face coverings and to check-in via the NHS Test and Trace QR code upon entry.

As part of the Prime Minister’s announcement, it was also confirmed that the limit on the number of people allowed to attend funerals would be removed earlier than planned, although social distancing is still required.

Due to space restrictions in the chapel at Park Wood crematorium, it’s still only possible to accommodate 28 people at cremations.

The Council has said it understands how important it is for family and friends to be able to grieve together so it will continue to take advice on when the local authority can safely increase this number.

However, as the risks are lower and there are not the same space restrictions, there will be no limit on the number of mourners at burials at cemeteries.

Council meetings will start to be held in person, beginning with Annual Council on Wednesday May 19, which will be held in Halifax Minster to allow full attendance by all Members and a restricted number of officers, with social distancing in place.

Consideration is being given to how future meetings will be held, taking into account national legislation and the further implementation of the Government’s roadmap.