Keeping Derby running during new restrictions

Published: 4 November 2020

During the first national ‘lockdown’ period in spring, we worked hard to understand the best ways to keep essential services running as safely and normally possible.

While the news of a second period of severe restrictions will feel disheartening, teams across the Council are preparing to ensure that the vast majority of our services are kept going for Derby citizens.

Essential services, or those predicted to have increased demand, are also being identified to ensure that they are offered the support and resource that is needed to operate, particularly in light of the increased risk of COVID-19 cases and self-isolation requirements.

Our primary focus is supporting vulnerable people in the city and we continue to work collaboratively with Community Action Derby and Derby Homes to ensure our Community Hub can meet the likely increase in demand for help.

Working closely with partners, businesses and community leaders, the Council also aims to help the city adapt to this period and recover economically.

While many of our services are able to keep entirely or partially running, some are unfortunately not able to operate in line with COVID measures and will therefore be closed during the new restriction period.

The following will be closed during the period of new restrictions:

Leisure centres / Libraries

As per Government guidance, all leisure centres must close during this period. Derby Active at Home will shortly be resuming online to ensure citizens can continue to access fitness classes.

Some of Derby’s libraries will also need to be closed due to Government guidance. We will be providing further updates on this in coming days.

Registrations (weddings)

The Government has announced that weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place during this period. However, notice of marriage appointments will continue. The Council will speak to couples directly about their wedding and registration plans. Other registrations services will continue as normal.

Market Hall

The Market Hall will be closed to the public from Wednesday 4th November at 5.00pm. Essential traders will be granted ongoing access during the period from Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm to offer a click & collect or order/takeaway/delivery service.

These decisions are not being taken lightly and have only been taken in accordance with the national advice from the Government. We recognise this may be challenging for our citizens and businesses, but we are working to ensure the majority of City Council services continue to run as normal.

We will be updating our website regularly with the status of our services.

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

We remain in a strong position to deliver most Council services as we move towards harsher restrictions at the end of this week. As well as support for those most vulnerable, our ‘non-essential’ services will continue to run as effectively as possible, in the circumstances of doing so, in line with Government guidance.

While this is likely to be a difficult time for everyone across the country, all Council staff will continue to focus on helping Derby residents, and to ensure the City can emerge positively, when the restrictions are lifted. We will also be working very closely with our business community to provide support and the means to adapt during this time.

Paul Simpson, Chief Executive of Derby City Council:

We’re very proud of the way our teams pulled together during the first lockdown period and how they are preparing for the new restrictions coming in later this week. We want to reassure citizens that we are working hard to keep as many services as possible operating normally and providing support for Derby.

We are sadly all too aware that our businesses are suffering due to the pandemic, and we welcome announcements from Government on the financial support that will be available to help our economy weather the storm. Information on how this funding will be distributed to local businesses, will be made available as quickly as possible

Community, Health