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  2. Health protection information
  3. Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  4. Local services update

How local services are affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The safety and wellbeing of residents and our staff is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are taking steps to keep our communities and staff safe.

The below outlines the current situation regarding the impact on local services from 19 July 2021:

Arts and culture

Orleans House Gallery, the Stables Courtyard Gallery and Stables Cafe are open, and will continue to operate with COVID-safe measures in place. Find out more.

Care homes, vulnerable and older people

Our Health and Adult Social Care services department have been working in partnership with care providers across the borough to ensure that relevant steps are being taken to minimise the risks of the virus for both staff and residents.

Guidance for residential care homes, supported living and home care guidance.

Children’s Centres and Youth Centres

Youth centres are open and will continue to operate with COVID-secure measures in place. The majority of activities will be outdoors where that is possible. ​

View COVID 19: latest information and advice

Day centres

Our day centres are open.

Council Civic buildings

The Civic Centre is currently open for limited services only from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. You can also book a face-to-face appointment by calling 020 8891 1411, only where enquiries cannot be resolved online or by phone.

Please continue to access services online if you can, or contact services by telephone:

  • Adult Social Care - Telephone 020 8891 7971
  • Housing and Homelessness - Telephone 020 8891 7409
  • Children and Family Support - Telephone 020 8891 7969
  • Council Tax /Housing Benefit - Telephone 020 8891 1411
  • COVID-19 Community Hub - Telephone 020 8871 6555

Events/Council venue hire

We are currently awaiting guidance from the government on the reopening of community venues. We hope to be able to open for private bookings in a few weeks' time. More information on events.

Housing

Check how housing services are currently affected.

Libraries

Ten of the borough's main libraries are now open for unlimited browsing. Please be aware that wearing face coverings inside libraries is strongly encouraged and some social distancing measures will remain in place.

Click and Collect continues to be available from all open libraries.

Hampton Wick Library will reopen from Wednesday 28 July after the completion of building works to the adjoining hall.

Kew Library will reopen from Tuesday 27 July after completion of building works.

In addition, there are a number of well-spaced public computers available at your local libraries. Advance booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment. Please ring your local library or book online.

Home Delivery and 24/7 online services are also available.

Please check our Libraries pages for further information.

Parks and open spaces

All our parks and open spaces will remain open. This includes playgrounds. Multi-games areas and outdoor gyms are also now open.

For families using the playgrounds, please do so carefully, remember that everyone (including children) should social distance and wash their hands immediately after use.

Planning

See details of service changes due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Register Office services

Civil partnership and wedding ceremonies are currently allowed. The limit on the number of attendees is only restricted to the number of persons permitted in a venue in line with their independent health and safety risk assessment. Ceremonies can take place outdoors or at any venue that is permitted to open.

Deaths will continue to be registered by telephone. Admission to the office will be by appointment only. Please see information regarding how to register a death during the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools

Schools are open. Please see Achieving for Children for the latest information.

Services for children with special education needs

The Council and Achieving for Children (AfC) are working closely with children with special educational needs, disabilities and complex health conditions and their families. More information about SEN services.

Sports centres

Sports and fitness centres and indoor/outdoor pools across the borough are open.

However, customers are asked to book their sessions in advance using the LBRUT Sports App, web booking portal or by Phone.

In addition, customers are asked to wear face coverings when moving around the Centres.

From the week beginning 26 July, gym users will not need to book their session in advance.

Over the coming weeks, more changing room space, showers and lockers will also become available and the barrier systems at the entrance to the Centres will be gradually reintroduced.

More information about sports centres.

Transport and parking

The Council and Transport for London (TfL) have made a number of changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including making it compulsory to wear a face mask on all public transport. 

Read the latest information regarding transport and parking.

Waste and recycling services

Townmead Road Waste and Recycling Centre is open at a reduced capacity until further notice following a major fire (July 2021). Slots must be booked in advance. 

The fortnightly garden waste collection service and bulky waste collection service are operating.

Up to: Local services update

Updated: 19 July 2021