COVID-19

Covid-19 Updated: Thursday 13th August 2020

Westbury Town Council Response to COVID-19

Updated: Tuesday 07.07.2020

Update from Westbury Town Council – Facilities & Assets COVID-19

Westbury Town Council met on Monday 6th July 2020 to discuss reopening the play areas, skate park, adult gym equipment, the Laverton and public toilets. The town council took into consideration recent government guidance following the announcement that these services could reopen from the 4th July 2020, and the process being followed by other local councils including Wiltshire Council. They reviewed COVID-19 risk assessments and advice from our Health & Safety advisor and insurance provider.

Play Areas, Skate Park and Outdoor Adult Gym. The town council took the decision to open the play areas, skate park and adult gym equipment with immediate effect and our staff are out in the town busily putting up signage and opening the gates. However, two of the play areas will remain closed; Kendrick due to ongoing repairs and Chestnut following a bin fire. We have ordered the parts for Kendrick and a new bin for Chestnut and we hope to open these remaining play areas soon. Read the signage carefully, it is there for your safety. Have fun but please stay safe.

The Laverton will reopen soon. We will only be able accept pre-bookings so we can establish if it is safe for the group or event to take place. There are still many restrictions in place that it is impossible to return to our usual schedule of events and community activities. We will continue to monitor the situation, update our risk assessment and procedures accordingly and keep you posted.

Public Conveniences Warminster Road and the High Street Car Park – despite careful consideration the town council has chosen not to open the public conveniences at this time. The government has provided a list of measures needed to allow for the reopening of public toilets. Two of the measures include an increase in the frequency of cleaning in line with usage and to keep the facilities well ventilated. Due to limited staff resources and the layout of the public toilets in Westbury we are unable to meet these measures and the town council deemed it unsafe to reopen the facilities. We apologise for any inconvenience; we will continue to review government guidance and revise our assessment as restrictions ease.

The Town Council – The town council offices remain closed to the public for general enquiries. However, if you have an urgent matter that can only be discussed face to face, please contact the town clerk on 01373 822232 to arrange a meeting. The staff are working hard in the background to maintain services in the town and you can still contact the town council by calling 01373 822232 or email info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk. Our website and Facebook pages are kept up to date with the latest news from the town council and our partners.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times.

Update 27.05.2020
Public Meetings and events – The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 came into force on 4th April 2020. The Regulations 2020 enable local councils to hold remote meetings (including by video and telephone conferencing) until May 2021. The regulations also remove the requirement to hold an annual town council meeting. The 2020 regulations apply to local council meetings, committee, and sub-committee meetings in England. Westbury Town Council has chosen to use Office365 Teams, live events. This is secure, allows the council to invite guests and up to 20,000 members of the public can watch and hear the meeting as it takes place. It also provides us with the ability to record the meeting, share information (agendas, minutes & reports) and the public can choose to turn on captions. We are holding a limited number of town council and committee meetings, concentrating on essential work while we continue to support the community during these difficult times. Details of the meetings, dates, times and how to join, can be found on our website in the section Agendas and Minutes or please refer to the town calendar.

Open Westbury COVID-19 Support – The town council would like to thank the amazing community groups and residents of Westbury who have come forward in response to our call for volunteers. This is to provide support to the elderly, vulnerable and those who are required to self-isolate in our community. Our Events Manager, Ryan Child is working hard with partners and volunteers to coordinate all services and volunteers to provide help to those who need it.

For more information, please contact

Mrs Deborah Urch, Town Clerk at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 480912

Mrs Julie Dyer, Team Leader at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 480913

Mr Andrew Thomas, Town Caretaker at info@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 480916

Mr Ryan Child, Events Manager at events@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 480915

Mr Norman Burgess, Facilities at the Laverton at facilities@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 480919

On our website you will find the councillors contact details

Thank you from Westbury Town Council – 26.03.2020
Thank you from Westbury Town Council – 24.04.2020

Information source – Westbury Town Council will act on information and guidance provided by the following organisations: