West Lindsey District Council: Council cancels meetings with immediate effect

The authority becomes the latest in Lincolnshire to put in place emergency procedures following the Coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier this week, the council closed the Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough and upped measures to protect mourners at Lea Fields Crematorium by reducing seating, removing bibles and discouraging guests from touching coffins.

Council leader, Giles McNeill, said in a statement that none of the decisions were taken lightly.

“We understand the profound impact these decisions have on people’s livelihoods, our local economy and our communities,” he said.

“The threat that a global pandemic on this scale represents should not be underestimated. The coming weeks and months are going to prove a considerable strain on us all.

“We must rise to this challenge. We are all better than we know and if only we can realise this, help and support one another, we will succeed in the fight against this disease.”

Benefits, housing and customer services will continue as normal in the district, but people are asked to contact by telephone or email if they are self-isolating.

Some planning and licensing committees may go ahead with a small number of councillors if they are essential, but there will be no public participation.

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire County Council laid out a raft of measures including asking staff to work from home and suspending most formal committee meetings.

The council’s announcements follow both Lincoln and Boston councils, among others, cancelling meetings and services across the county.

South Kesteven, North Kesteven and East Lindsey have also introduced measures in response to the virus.

North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Philip Jackson, said he expected the virus to stretch already under pressure council resources further.

It comes as nine cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in Greater Lincolnshire, with seven in Lincolnshire and two in North Lincolnshire.

At least one person is in hospital care in Lincolnshire with COVID-19.