THURROCK Council has immediately implemented measures to help enforce social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable members of our community following the Prime Minster's announcement yesterday evening.

With immediate effect, and until further notice, council managed buildings will be closed to the public. The Civic Offices in Grays has closed to residents today.

All community hubs and Libraries are now closed including:

Aveley Library part of the Aveley Community Hub

Belhus Library - part of the South Ockendon Centre

Blackshots Library

Chadwell Library - part of Chadwell Information Centre and Hub

Corringham Library

East Tilbury Library – part of the Community Hub

Grays Library

Purfleet Library - part of Purfleet Community Hub

Stanford-le-Hope Library

Tilbury Library - part of Tilbury Hub

Acorns Community Hub, Stifford Clays

The council recognises the vital role these buildings and services provided from them play to residents. Work is underway through the Stronger Together Partnership to ensure those residents who are most vulnerable at this time have the support they need to enable them to follow the new social distancing guidelines. More information will be available in the coming days.

Most council services are available online through the website at thurrock.gov.uk. During this time we ask that residents use the website and email to make sure that we can keep phone lines free for the borough's most vulnerable residents who would normally receive face-to-face assistance.

For the following services these are the email addresses to use for help and advice or to report a problem if unable to do so via the website.

Council Tax - [email protected]

General enquiries - [email protected]

Waste - [email protected]

Highways repairs and issues - [email protected] or for emergencies call 01375 652350

These are the contact details for emergency or critical face-to-face council services:

Benefits - [email protected] or call 01375 652950

Housing needs services for homelessness, housing advice, temporary or private sector accommodation, housing register - [email protected] or 01375 652820

Thurrock First – Adult Social Care - [email protected] or 01375 511 000

Children's Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partnership - [email protected] or 01375 652 802

For emergencies out of hours call - 01375 372468

The borough's parks will remain open for exercise only and to those obeying social distancing rules – ensuring people are alone or only out with other people they live with and stay two metres or six feet apart – however play areas and outdoor exercise areas will be closed with immediate effect in line with the latest guidance.

In addition, the impact of COVID-19 is affecting the delivery of other council services including:

Garden waste collections have been suspended. Residents are advised to put food and small amounts of grass cuttings in their general waste for collection on the usual day.

The Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre is closed today (24 March) with decisions about it opening being made daily.

Housing repairs are moving to emergency repairs only

Grangewaters will be closed to the public from Tuesday 24 March. All activities and sessions have been cancelled. Anyone who has booked a session can postpone it to a later date or get a refund of their deposit.

Children's Centres are closed to the public from Tuesday 24 March.

The Sunshine Centre and Oaktree Contact Centre, have been closed. Alternative arrangements are being made for the most vulnerable families using these services.

Inspire Youth Hub, Grays, will be closed and all drop-in sessions and face-to-face meetings cancelled. Young people seeking career advice will still be able to carry out interviews by phone and service users will be issued with Career Action Plans. Contact details can be found on Ask Thurrock

Thameside Complex - Thurrock Museum, the Thameside theatre and library are all closed. Registrars will remain open to register deaths only

The application process for the Community Environment Development Fund has been suspended. The council knows this will delay finding for some groups but by taking this approach we can ensure a fairer process for all.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "We are facing one of the biggest challenges of our time and it is vital that we in Thurrock all play our part in making sure we do everything we can to slow the spread of coronavirus.

"We in Thurrock Council wholeheartedly support the measures introduced by the Prime Minister yesterday and have moved swiftly to ensure that people obey the social distancing rules.

"The country is now at a tipping-point where our actions will dictate how this epidemic develops. We must all heed these rules, take responsibility for our actions and play a role in slowing the spread of this terrible virus, saving countless lives.

"If we ignore the government the most likely outcome is that there will be thousands upon thousands of preventable deaths.

"The message is clear and simple: stay at home, do not go out unless you absolutely have to and avoid socialising. By doing this we can help to control the spread and make sure that the number of people getting ill does not overwhelm the NHS.

"I am sure there will be more messages in the coming days and weeks from the council to help residents understand what we are doing and why as well as the support available to those most in need.

"Regrettably there are many rumours which do nothing but spread confusion and misinformation. I would ask residents look only to messages direct from Thurrock Council either in the press, by email or on our social media pages to find out what we are doing to ensure essential services are maintained, that our vulnerable residents are kept safe and supported and that the official advice from government is made available to all."

Full guidance on the measures the government has introduced can be found {L]gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others[L+]here[.L]

More information, and links to advice, about coronavirus click here