With Allerdale and the rest of Cumbria is now in Tier 2 of the Covid-19 restrictions, Allerdale Borough Council is providing the following updates to its services:
Leisure centres
As Allerdale has moved into Tier 2 restrictions, GLL has been working with the council on the safe reopening of our leisure centres.
The leisure centres in Workington and Cockermouth reopened on Wednesday (December 2), offering the same services to the public before the introduction of national restrictions in early November. All activities need to be booked in advance on the Better website or app.
The Wave in Maryport has also reopened to the public. The gym opened from Wednesday (December 2). It will be open from 8am to 12noon and from 4pm to 7pm every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It will also be open from 9am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Climbing is available at the centre’s Clip ‘n’ Climb facility on Saturday and Sunday only between 9am and 2pm. All sessions need to be booked through the Better website or app.
It is hoped that the gym at Keswick’s leisure centre will reopen on the 2 January to allow for the completion of some improvements to the site. Before reopening the popular gym, work will be carried out to install new flooring, improve the gym layout and make the site Covid-secure.
The pool in Keswick will, however, not reopen immediately as the type of pool does not allow for swimmers to be easily spaced out during busy periods to meet social distancing guidelines. The decision on when it is safe to reopen will be reviewed in line with any changes to the government advice. The pool closure will also allow for some essential maintenance works to be carried out.
Members from The Wave and Keswick Leisure Centre, will continue to be able to access activities at all Better-operated facilities within the county for the foreseeable future, while their local centre is not fully open.
Staff will continue to adopt a new, enhanced cleaning regime, while customers will be asked to wipe down the equipment that they have used. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout leisure centre buildings.
A full list of the services on offer, how to get a membership and how to book an activity can be found on the Better website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/allerdale. The Better app is available from the Android and Apple app stores.
Customer contact centres
Allerdale Borough Council’s customer service centre at Wigton Market Hall reopened on Wednesday (December 2) as it also provides a reception service for all visitors to the building. To ensure the safety of our customers and staff, accessing Allerdale Borough Council services at Wigton will be by appointment only. Customers are asked to ring 0303 123 1702 to book an appointment with a customer service advisor at the Wigton office.
To help protect customers and staff, the council’s customer contact centres in Cockermouth, Keswick, Maryport, and Workington will remain closed and the council is encouraging customers to access services online or over the phone to avoid unnecessary face-to-face contact.
Residents in Allerdale are being encouraged to use digital methods to contact the council where possible, to avoid having to wait on the telephone. There are a range of services readily available on the authority’s website and through the myAllerdale mobile app. There is also a webchat facility on the council’s website.
The council’s website is open 24/7 and the “Report It” forms allow customers to let the council know about issues and obtain information at a time which is convenient for them.
Customers can also use the website to check their eligibility for housing and council tax benefits, make an application, as well as access their benefit and council tax account. This service is also available for landlords with tenants on housing benefit.
Payments can also be made online or via the council’s automated payment line 0303 123 1702. This number can also be used if customers would like to speak to a customer service advisor.
By downloading the myAllerdale app, customers can also have many of these services available to them in the palm of their hand. The app is compatible with Apple and Android phones, and customers should search for ‘Allerdale’ on their app store and then register for an account.
If customers do not have access to the internet or they wish to speak to a customer service advisor, then they are advised to ring 0303 123 1702. This number can also be used in an emergency, such as for homelessness, when out of hours.
Anyone facing financial hardship or potentially being made homeless should contact the council on 0303 123 1702.
Markets
The council’s markets in Workington, Keswick and Wigton have also resumed operation. Workington Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, Keswick on Thursdays and Saturday and Wigton on Fridays.
