Press Release from Neath Port Talbot Council

Leisure Centres to close among latest Covid-19 changes

19 March 2020

Neath Port Talbot Council is now rapidly implementing service changes to respond to the Government’s Covid-19 strategy in phases and in this release we outline the latest developments relating to our residents.

All leisure centres (and swimming pools) are closing.

The decision has been taken by Celtic Leisure in conjunction with Neath Port Talbot Council in line with Government advice on “social distancing”.

All of our facilities will therefore be closed from this evening, Thursday 19th March, 2020, until further notice.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this closure and thank you for bearing with us during this difficult and unprecedented time, however the health and wellbeing of our customers, staff and community has to remain uppermost in our thoughts.

Also, due to the fast changing situation and the need to react quickly to Government announcements about the coronavirus, Neath Port Talbot Council staff are being redeployed to priority duties. As a result of this, all civic centres (Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre and the Quays) will be closed to the public from Monday, 23rd March, 2020.

If you require access to a Council service, visit our website www.npt.gov.uk or telephone 01639 686868.

Specific arrangements will be made for a small number of residents who will still need a face-to-face service.  Further service arrangements and updates will be published tomorrow Friday, March 20th, 2020.

The Council has also announced today Neath Port Talbot Schools will re-open next Monday to provide care and recreation for the children of designated essential workers and vulnerable pupils only. See release here: https://www.npt.gov.uk/1410?pr_id=6428

The Council’s Registration Service is continuing to conduct ceremonies at the Register Office and at approved venues across Neath Port Talbot until such time that the advice from Government changes.

In line with Government guidance on social distancing, ceremonies will be restricted to six people – the couple, two registrars and two witnesses. Couples can postpone their ceremony free of charge by contacting the Register Office on 01639 760021 or email: registrars@npt.gov.uk .

This is in line with General Register Office (GRO) UK guidance and a similar approach being taken in other Register Offices.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Social Services Department has put plans in place to protect its most vulnerable residents. In order to safeguard both those who receive care services and staff, necessary changes have been made to the services we deliver.

In accordance with government guidelines on social distancing, all day services will be temporarily closed from Friday 20th March.  Those who receive care services have been asked to call on additional support from friends, family and carers.

To ensure the department’s most critical services are supported, staff have been asked to be flexible in the roles they undertake and will be temporarily redeployed where necessary.