The Best Guide for the NN12 Area

Northamptonshire County Council has provided an update on changes to its core services following the recent national lockdown announcement from Central Government.

As the nation moves into its second lockdown from 5 November 2020, the local authority has revised its service offering to reflect the new guidelines.

A full list of service information can be found on the county council website, with the most significant changes outlined as follows:

Northamptonshire Libraries

Under national restrictions, from 5th November 2020 library services across the county must close their buildings for general public access. 

The new measures will apply for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of the period, the reopening of libraries will be reviewed.

Under the restrictions, Northamptonshire Libraries will continue to offer the following services:

• Home Library Service  - a no-contact service with doorstep delivery
• Order & Collect services
• Digital and remote services including eLending, e books and e audio, online events and activities via library Facebook pages and You Tube channel

These services will be managed in COVID secure ways, in line with government guidance. Services offered by the Community Managed Libraries may vary so residents are advised to check the web pages and social media channels for the latest information.

Registration Service

Whilst all public library buildings are currently closed, appointments are still being offered to customers via the Registration Service:

• Birth registrations are still permitted
• Weddings and Civil partnership ceremonies are not permitted to take place
• Notice of marriage or Civil Partnership appointments will continue
• All face-to-face death registrations have been suspended with immediate effect

People are advised to email: registrationservice@northamptonshire.gov.uk to make contact in the first instance.

Northamptonshire Archives and Heritage Service

Northamptonshire Archives and Heritage Service is now temporarily closed until further notice.

As a result, the service is currently unable to offer its Research and Digitisation Services.

Bus services

The local authority is in regular contact with bus companies and will endeavour to provide summary details of what is changing on bus services if operators begin to alter their service levels.

The bus timetables page of the NCC website provides the latest updates.  

Country Parks

Northamptonshire country park car parks, toilets, play areas and cafes (take away service) will remain open and normal parking charges will be in operation.

Visitors are expected to manage their own social distancing when at the parks and show respect for other park users.

Children’s Centres

All Children’s Centres have now closed until further notice.

Families that usually receive support from a Social Worker are advised to contact their Social Worker direct, or the duty team.

Household Waste Recycling Centres

The county council’s intention is for the Household Waste Recycling Centres to remain open throughout the period of additional COVID-19 restrictions.

Social distancing will continue to be enforced at all HWRCs and as a result there may be queues to access the sites.

People are being asked to consider if their visit is absolutely necessary.

Councillor Matt Golby, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, said: “These are unfortunate but very necessary steps we must take to help safeguard the health of the people of Northamptonshire.

“We take this responsibility very seriously and while we understand that many people use these services regularly, wherever possible we have to put measures in place to support the government’s efforts and help tackle the spread of Covid-19.

“We are continuing to look at everything we do to find ways that we can continue to support our residents during the ongoing challenges presented by the virus.”