Libraries, sports centres and registry offices in Wandsworth closed

Libraries, sports centres and registry offices run by Richmond and Wandsworth councils are closing this week due to coronavirus fears.

The new measures were announced last night on March 18 and will see libraries close from the end of today.

Leisure and sports centres were closed yesterday.

All public events held on council property have been cancelled including mayoral fundraising events and art exhibitions in the council’s galleries.

A number of weddings at council registry offices and other licensed venues across the boroughs have also been cancelled.

If you have bought tickets for council-run events or hired venues, you will be contacted directly to discuss re-booking or refunds.

A statement on both councils websites said: “We realise that the cancellation of all events can be very upsetting for those involved and will make every effort to re-book where possible. However, we hope that residents will understand that safety must come first.”

Non-essential face to face appointments to register births and take notices of marriage or civil partnerships will also be postponed.

Deaths and stillbirths will continue to be registered, where safe to do so. If there are no available informants to register a death due to self-isolation, contraction or exposure to the virus, you should contact the office for advice.

Receptions at the Customer Service Centre in Wandsworth High Street, the Marble Hall Reception at the Town Hall and the Housing Department reception in Putney Bridge Road will remain open.

Likewise in Richmond, the Civic Centre, 42 York Street (Children’s Services) and York House will remain open.

But residents should only attend in person if absolutely necessary and should try and contact the council online or by phone first.

There are currently no changes to bin collections, but the service is being monitored.

Following Government guidance, schools across the boroughs will close for most pupils from the end of Friday (March 20) but will remain open for children of ‘key workers’ plus those with special needs and others with vulnerabilities.

A list of schools that will remain open for these pupils is expected soon.

The government has also announced plans for a  national voucher scheme for children eligible for free school meals. These families will be updated accordingly.

As of 9am on March 17, there were 59 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wandsworth and seven in Richmond.