July 10: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

We continue to provide weekly updates on the last working day of the week and our main focus is on keeping you informed of changes to services.

Of course, should there be any urgent or significant news to communicate in the meantime we will do this via the Council's news pages and social media channels.

Business grants

Applications for phase 2 of the extended local business grants fund scheme - for small businesses significantly impacted by the pandemic - close on Sunday (July 12).

The extended scheme means a number of new categories of businesses are now eligible for grants. We are reviewing the applications received so far.

We are also developing criteria for a phase 3 of the scheme, which will extend eligibility to even more businesses. We will put details on the webpage when they are confirmed.

Parking fees and permits

Parking fees were suspended temporarily during lockdown but will resume in all Council-run car parks (including Castlegate and Wellington Square) and at on-street parking meters as of Monday, July 20.

The renewal of residents' parking permits will also resume from Monday, July 20. We want to give people time to update their permits so for now, expired permits will continue to be considered valid until further notice.

Summer holidays activities

We are busy working on a series of summer holiday activities, which will be a mixture of online and activity-based programmes, including opportunities for children to take part in multi-sports, dancing, 'Relax Kids', messy play, play boxing, and bush craft, all with clear social distancing approaches in place. Look out for details through schools and on our website and social media channels.

Stay safe

Even though lockdown restrictions are being eased, it remains vitally important that everyone sticks to social distancing to keep us all safe.

It's crucial we all approach the changes with caution and respect the rules which are in place to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

Social distancing only works effectively as a preventative measure when all of us follow the guidance.

I urge you all to play your part and help us be in a stronger position in our fight against COVID-19.

Protecting each other, and particularly our most vulnerable residents, is still of paramount importance.

Keep informed

Remember, you can keep up with all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in the Borough, including details of the range of support available, via our webpage Stockton Borough Council.