July 17: 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 3 of the extended local business grants fund scheme are now open and must be in by Sunday, August 2.

The scheme has been extended to include some small manufacturing businesses, regular market traders, and some additional businesses eligible for Expanded Retail Discount.

Businesses that were eligible for previous phases of the local business grants fund scheme can still apply if they have not done so already.

Cashiers - reminder

The cashiers desks in our Customer Service centres will re-open from Monday (July 20).

Green waste collections - reminder

Green waste collections will return to normal full service from Tuesday (July 21) with collections from Tuesdays to Fridays. Weekend green waste collections have now stopped with immediate effect.

The normal service will start on red week and run until Friday, November 13.

For the time being residents can still put green waste out in reusable bags (which will be returned), plastic carrier bags or bin liners.

Libraries - reminder

The second stage of the reopening of libraries begins on Monday (July 20) when the service at our larger libraries - Billingham, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby Central and Yarm - will be extended to include limited browsing and access to ICT facilities.

This adds to the book returns and book collections service which re-started at these libraries earlier this month. Extended opening hours of 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, will also start at these libraries on Monday (July 20).

Parking fees and permits - reminder

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.

Preston Park Museum - reminder

Preston Park Museum will re-open on Monday (July 20) and a number of measures will be in place to ensure everybody's safety, including a requirement that people book their visit in advance.

Stockton-on-Tees News

We couldn't produce and distribute a hard copy of the July edition of Stockton-on-Tees News due to the coronavirus pandemic, so we decided to do a digital version instead. It's available now on our website and it's full of news and features about everything that's going on in the Borough. And with it being digital, there are video stories too.

Of course, not everybody has internet access so we've printed a small number of hard copies. If you or someone you know would like one posted out just email snews@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 524581.

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.