Libraries, leisure centres and parks
All libraries and leisure centres are closed to the public. Our main parks remain open but please note outdoor play equipment is closed.
No library late fines
Library users cannot currently take out or return library materials.
Don't worry about late fines - there will be no additional fines from 18 March until further notice.
We will update you on how to return library materials when we can.
Online resources
We still offer a range of free online services including:
- eBooks
- eMusic
- audiobooks
- eMagazines and newspapers
- Find out more about E-resources
Services usually available in libraries
Hearing aid clinics
Hearing aid clinics are suspended.
- More hearing aid information is on our health updates page.
NEC bus passes
We will be updating this page with information about how to apply for bus passes.
Leisure centre memberships
If you have a leisure centre membership, all direct debit membership charges will change to £1.00 per month to 'maintain' the membership while the centres are closed.
This means that all monthly membership payments will automatically be frozen until further notice and any annual memberships will be extended, equal to the time lost.
Deductions
As centres have closed halfway through the month and memberships have been frozen, this will be taken this into account and the appropriate deduction will be made from the amount that customers pay moving forward when the situation returns to normal.
The closures will stay in place until government advice states that it is appropriate to reopen facilities to the public.
Parks and play areas
Our main parks currently remain open although we have implemented social distancing measures.
Vogrie Country Park is open from 10am until the gates close at 6pm. The car park and toilets are open from 10am until 4pm.
All children’s outdoor equipped play areas are closed and must not be used.
Grass cutting (update on 22 May)
Council Leader Councillor Derek Milligan thanks our Land & Countryside teams for a sterling effort to catch up with grass cutting during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the new teams, many of whom had come from other services in the council to help, had their work cut out tackling some areas due to the length of the grass. However, the backlog is all but finished and workers will now be maintaining all areas, including public parks and open spaces. Land services will now prioritise weed killing, cutting back weeds and grass verges, he added. Given that some of the teams are new, if we’ve missed any areas then please email [email protected] with the details.
Grass cutting (update on 24 April)
Since April 24, we have been able to resume some grass cutting although not large, open spaces. Instead, the focus will be on verges adjacent to footpaths or pavements to allow people to see oncoming traffic and cross safely. Grass on core paths and rights of way will also be cut to make sure everyone using those areas can observe social distancing. Grass at hub centres, where staff are caring for the children of key workers and vulnerable children, will also be cut.