Find information about community support and our services during the coronavirus pandemic, on our information for residents pages, our information for businesses pages, and our community support hub page which has guidance to help coordinate community organisations.
See a summary of our Local Outbreak Control Plan and read our frequently asked questions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for residents about the coronavirus pandemic
Like all councils we want to support our local communities as much as possible during the current coronavirus pandemic.
We're updating our website with guidance and updates for residents and businesses - sharing national advice and updating you on any council services which are affected.
We have separate sections for:
Our Local Outbreak Control Plan
Weeknotes - Updates from the Leader and Chief Executive of the council
Community Support Hub
Anyone who needs support with food, finance, help to self-isolate or any other support, should get in contact with the Community Support Hub on: 01635 503579, by email: westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk or you can ask for help from our Community Support Hub service online.
The Community Support Hub is open during office hours; call between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8:30am and 4:30pm on Friday.
Services Status for National Restrictions period
Here is an overview of key council service operations during Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December:
Culture and Libraries
- West Berkshire Libraries buildings are closed to the public. The Order & Collect service will still be available online or by phone on 01635 519813 (or ring the local library) or by email library@westberks.gov.uk. The At Home service will continue to deliver books to library members who are unable to make their own collections.
- West Berkshire Museum is closed to the public. See website for more information.
- Shaw House is closed for public visits. However, the Registration Service at Shaw House is still open for appointments. For information about the Registration Service please call 01635 279230.
- Parks: People will continue to be able to visit council-run parks, as long as they adhere to the guidelines on socialising outdoors.
Household waste and recycling
- Rubbish and recycling collections will continue as normal. Please continue to put your bins and containers out by 6am for collection. No excess waste - please make sure all rubbish is in your black bin with the lid closed.
- Recycling Centres at Newbury and Padworth will remain open. To use one of our sites please make sure you book an appointment before you visit: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/clickandtip. Please follow social distancing rules while on site.
Customer and community support
- Council Office Buildings: In the interests of safety we encourage you to continue to use our online service or contact Customer Services Switchboard for support (see below) unless it is absolutely essential that you need to visit the Council offices.
- Customer Services Switchboard is open as usual from 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday. The team can be contacted by email: customerservices@westberks.gov.uk or telephone: 01635 551111. Further details.
- Community Support Hub is here to help those in financial difficulty or are clinically extremely vulnerable. The Hub can be contacted on telephone: 01635 503579, by email: westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk or via our online form. Opening hours: 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday.
Additional services
- Car parks will remain open.
- Emergency and urgent housing repairs will continue for tenants living in our emergency temporary accommodation, but non-urgent repairs will cease. For any further advice or support with this please contact the Housing Service on 01635 519530 or by e-mail at TArepairs@westberks.gov.uk
Keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter, or visit the Newbury Weekly News website for community updates.
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