Council service changes from 5 January
Changes to council services from Tuesday 5 January
Following the First Minister’s announcement on Monday 4 January, please find more details of what this will mean for some of our services. You can also visit our coronavirus pages.
Schools
On Thursday 7 and Friday 8 January and from Monday 11 January until at least the end of the month, schools will provide critical childcare only for key workers and for our most vulnerable children and young people.
Parents and carers had until 31 December to apply for a space if they are a Category 1 or 2 key worker. If you have not applied but a place but now need one for Monday 18 January onwards please contact your child's school directly.
Midlothian Council will ensure our schools and early learning and childcare settings will continue with effective preventative measures in place.
Other council services
The council is delivering critical services only.
Across Midlothian further restrictions will be in place until the end of January or until the First Minister announces otherwise.
Parks
To encourage local residents to socialise safely outdoors parks, including Vogrie Country Park will follow normal opening hours.
Waste services
Bin collections remain unchanged.
The opening times for Stobhill Recycling Centre, remain unchanged. Penicuik Recycling Centre is closed.
Libraries
All libraries are currently closed.
Leisure centres
All of our leisure centres are closed.
Children’s Services and Adult Health and Social Care
Children’s Services and Adult Health and Social Care will continue with existing arrangements.
Births, deaths, marriages and other ceremonies
Registration service changes
Strict Travel Ban
You should not travel unless it is essential.
5 January onwards
Further restrictions, that effectively amount to a lockdown similar to the one in March, will be in place until at least the end of January from midnight on Monday 4 January. To be clear, that means that non-essential shops will close, as will pubs, cafes and restaurants. Takeaway food will continue to be allowed.
See above for a reminder of what this will mean for council services.
Get in touch
You should be able to find all relevant information on our website. However, if you cannot then get in touch. Please remember our call centre will be experiencing a high volume of calls.
Staying safe
We are reminding all residents to stick by the rules in place and follow FACTS:
F: Face coverings
A: Avoid crowds
C: Clean hands
T: Two metres
S: Self-isolate
Many thanks for your co-operation.