Update from Cllr Martin Hill, Leader Lincolnshire County Council

As we head in to the next lockdown, I wanted to let you know that the vast majority of our Services will be open and running as usual.

I know the next few weeks will be tough for many of our residents, so I’d like to assure you that we’re doing all we can to ensure support and services for our most vulnerable older residents, children and young people will operate without change. Schools remain open to allow children to continue with their education during lockdown, and our Public Health Team continue to support schools that have had confirmed cases.

We will be keeping our website up to date with all the latest information at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk as well as promoting through our social media channels. Please share with residents where appropriate.

In the meantime, here’s an update on how Services are operating:

· All our core services for our most vulnerable older residents, children and young people are running as usual.

· Maternity hubs remain open at nine children’s centres, enabling midwives to offer appointments away from hospitals

· All our core libraries and a number of community hubs will be open – but only for the collection of reserved books and for residents to use pre-booked public computers to access essential digital services. There will be no access for browsing. To use the click and collect service visit https://capitadiscovery.co.uk/lincolnshire/home or 01522 782010.

· The Access Library Service will continue to provide no contact deliveries of books to vulnerable housebound rural residents.

· Our Registration Offices are still open for birth registrations – residents should contact the CSC on 01522 782244. Death registrations will continue to be carried out by telephone. Marriage notice appointments may still be taken for ceremonies which are already booked. We request that couples who have not yet booked ceremonies, contact us in the new year.

· Lincoln Castle’s grounds will be open daily from 10am – 4pm seven days a week as a green space for exercise and wellbeing.

· Household Waste Recycling Centre’s across the County will be open as usual, but residents must book a timeslot at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/clickandtip or 01522 782070.

· Call Connect Services will continue to operate for essential journeys – call www.visitlincsbus.info or 0345 234 3344, and school transport is running as usual

· Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue continue to support Lincolnshire businesses with fire safety advice and support, and are still carrying out Safe & Well home visits for those who need it most www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr

· Our firefighters will again be supporting our EMAS colleagues, by driving ambulances if needed and other roles where we can.

· Help is still available for victims of domestic abuse, and stay at home rules do not apply to those escaping domestic abuse www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

· We’re still responding to planning applications within 21 days, and inspecting construction developments so they can progress

· Crews are still out repairing and improving the roads across Lincolnshire as usual. Continue to report any concerns online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faultreporting. See upcoming roadworks in your area at one.network.

· Business Lincolnshire is still on hand to provide the latest advice for county businesses at www.businesslincolnshire.com

The LCC COVID support helpline can help those who are not able to leave their home, and also takes business enquiries – call 01522 782189.

There are of course, some areas of the Council not mentioned, as a number are still awaiting Guidance from Central Government.

As soon as I have any further information to share with you, I will.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Martin Hill