Temporary changes are being made to some Stroud District Council’s services in response to the Government’s new measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

The council's priorities at this time is to support residents and businesses, and co-ordinate their community response so those who need help will get it. That means diverting resources to maintain essential council services.

A number of decisions have been taken which will temporarily change the way services are run.

The council offices at Ebley Mill are closed to members of the public.

This is to protect everyone’s health and help prevent spreading the virus.

However staff are busy maintaining key services for residents and businesses during this difficult time.

Refuse, waste and recycling collections will run as normal for as long as possible.

All residual waste must be in people's grey wheelie bin; side waste will not be collected.

If people have beige bags, the council will collect up to three bags per fortnight.

Help crews by making sure your car is not blocking access.

No further requests for replacement containers, bins or beige bags will be taken at this time.

The bulky waste collection service has stopped taking new bookings for the moment. Existing bookings are still being serviced.

Recycling centres (run by Gloucestershire County Council) are now closed.

Street cleaning has been reduced.

The Stroud Farmers’ Market will run on Saturday with food stalls only.

The Shambles Market will run on Friday and Saturday with food stalls only.

Car parks SDC-owned car parks will remain open.

All public toilets are closed for the protection of public health.

Report all lost and found dogs by phone.

One of SDC's animal welfare officers will call back to advise how they can best deliver found dogs to their holding kennels – this may involve a longer wait for collection than usual.

Please do not take found dogs to vets as they are treating emergencies only.

All SDC-run play areas are closed on instruction from the Government to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“We are diverting as much resource as we can so that we can help everyone in the district get through this very difficult period,” said Stroud District Council chief executive Kathy O’Leary.

“We are experiencing reduced demand for some services, which can be scaled back for now.

"This means we can concentrate our efforts on supporting residents and businesses, and co-ordinating the community response to support the most vulnerable.”

The answers to most enquiries can be found at www.stroud.gov.uk.

If you cannot find the answer you are looking for and cannot email, call 01453 766321.