Rugby council reassures residents and businesses: 'We are prepared for a second lockdown'

Rugby Borough Council is initiating its contingency plans for a second lockdown, with support to residents and businesses to be offered.

The leaders of all three political groups in the council have issued a joint statement to reassure Rugbeians ahead of restrictions, which come into effect on Thursday, November 5.

Cllr Seb Lowe, leader of Rugby Borough Council and leader of the Conservative Group, was joined by Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, leader of the Labour Group and Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group.

Together they said: “The first lockdown was difficult for many of our residents and businesses, but it also showed that our communities can pull together to do what is right for Rugby.

“As a council, we are prepared for a second lockdown and will continue to run the services that our communities rely on.

"Waste collection, homelessness services, housing repairs, and cemetery and crematorium services, for example, will continue.

“And, with hospitality venues and non-essential retail again required to close, we are preparing to distribute a further round of financial support when the details are finalised.

“Last month we called all of the residents who relied on our food delivery and emotional support services as part of the Shielding programme and offered them further support.

“We remain ready and willing to help our most vulnerable residents should they need us.

“A further lockdown period brings with it another period of uncertainty.

"However, if we all follow the guidelines and remember to wash our hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and keep apart from people we don’t live with, we can reduce the rate of infection and give ourselves the best possible chance to see things get back to normal soon.”

Residents who need urgent support and who do not have friends, family, neighbours or community groups who can help can contact the council on 01788 533 533.

From Thursday, November 5, the following changes to council services will be made:

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum will be closed until further notice.

The Benn Hall will be closed for most events but will remain open for certain bookings such as for blood donations.

Rugby Town Hall will be closed for all visitors. Residents without internet access or a telephone may make urgent enquiries such as emergency homelessness applications by using the telephone provided at the main entrance.

Most other services will continue to be available through www.rugby.gov.uk or by calling the council on 01788 533 533.

For the latest updates residents can follow the council Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RugbyBoroughCouncil or see www.rugby.gov.uk/coronavirus.