CRAVEN District Council says it will continue to work with its partners to deliver important services to residents and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Its Craven Leisure sports centre in Skipton closed at the weekend, following Government advice, and all council meetings have been suspended, unless they need to be held for certain ‘absolutely necessary’ planning and licensing decisions.

Waste collections are continuing as normal, telephone lines are operating, but people will not be able to attend customer reception in Belle Vue Square. People can contact the council by telephone or email, and if absolutely necessary, will be offered the opportunity to make an appointment.

Council leader, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “The situation is changing very quickly and we are receiving new guidance and advice from the Government all the time. We are working hard to get as much information out to residents and businesses as possible during this current crisis.

“All our staff are also working hard to maintain essential services, and to help and support our communities around the district.

“We know there has been a fantastic community response with people volunteering to help the elderly and vulnerable. We are liaising closely with all these groups as well as with other agencies so that we can support our communities and help keep people safe.

“We also know many of you are worried and have questions about how your business or job will be affected and what support is available.”

He added: “Please be aware that all the information we have is being given to us by central government. If you are angry and frustrated, we completely understand, but please don’t take it out on our staff; they are already doing all they can to help.

“We will continue to do the very best we can to support our communities through this unprecedented crisis.”

The government has issued guidance about the handling of waste, especially from households where someone has tested positive for, or is showing the symptoms of, the coronavirus.

In particular, waste such as used tissues or cleaning cloths should now be double-bagged before being put out for collection, even if the resident has a wheelie bin.

Skipton Crematorium and all burial services are running as normal, but with the council advising anyone who is in the high-risk category or self-isolating to not attend any services.

Contact the council by telephone 01756 700600, email contactus@cravendc.gov.uk or : cravendc.gov.uk