Shoppers rush to the tills as Crawley prepares for lockdown

Salons, nailbars and barbers have seen customers flock to grab last-minute appointments, while shoppers have been heading to do their Christmas shopping at the ‘nonessential’ stores which will close their doors tomorrow after MPs vote on the measures later this evening.

Recreation venues such as Tilgate Nature Centre, the tennis courts and multi-sports games area will also be closing after today (Wednesday, November 4), as will The Hawth, K2 Crawley and the Bewbush Centre Gym. Only eateries able to offer a takeaway service will remain open, with others forced to close again for a second time.

Community centres will also close, except for those where pre-schools and crèches are in operation, and all public toilets will close except the toilets next to the car park at Tilgate Park. All toilets will remain accessible to people with a Radar Key

The Town Hall closed yesterday (Tuesday) but Crawley Borough Council’s services will continue to operate and it will be providing additional services for the most vulnerable residents and distributing the latest round of grants to local businesses once it has received guidance from the government.

The Employ Crawley Youth Hub will continue to operate with virtual appointments. To arrange an appointment call 07814 903871 / 07909 730956 or email [email protected]

Waste, recycling and garden waste collections will continue as normal. Pest control and housing repairs will continue as they have over the past few months.

Unlike the first lockdown, all council play areas and outdoor gyms will remain open although as resources for cleaning them are limited they are to be used at people’s own risk.

Applications for business grants will open shortly. Businesses forced to close due to the new restrictions will be able to apply for Local Restrictions Support Grant of up to £3,000. Other businesses affected by the lockdown but which are not legally required to close can apply for a one-off discretionary payment. More details about how to apply will be published when the council receives guidance from the government.

Councillor Peter Lamb, leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: “I know this second lockdown will be tough for many, but to save lives and get things back to normal as quickly as possible, it is important that everyone does everything they can to make sure this lockdown effective. When it comes to contagion, the bad behaviour of a small number can have a huge impact on everyone.”

For up-to-date information visit www.crawley.gov.uk/coronavirus and follow Crawley Borough Council on Twitter (@crawleybc) and Facebook (@crawleycouncil).