Gloucestershire County Council has announced which services will reopen or stay the same, as Tier 2 restrictions come into force today (2nd December).

Gloucestershire is deemed 'high' risk and subject to Tier 2 restrictions now that the national lockdown has been lifted. In line with this, the council has assessed which of its services can continue.

Receptions will remain closed to the public, apart from for where pre-arranged appointments have been made.

Weddings in Tier 2 can go ahead with a maximum of 15 people attending, and Notice of Marriage appointments will also continue. Registration services are working hard to contact couples who are due to get married to rearrange wedding ceremonies if needed. Citizenship ceremonies are on hold as the council waits for more guidance, but birth and death registrations will go ahead by appointment.

Libraries have reopened today. Residents will be able to go into the library to browse for new books, as well as to use the public computers. Book collection slots will also be made available. Gloucestershire Heritage Hub (Archives) has also reopened, with the same safety procedures in place as before national lockdown, including appointments and pre-booking documents.

The community help hub has continued to run during the pandemic, and will remain available to people who need support to stay at home. Members of the public can contact the help hub by visiting the county council's website and filling out the online form.  Anyone who doesn't have access to the internet can call 01452 583519 Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Gloucestershire County Council leader, said: "I'm pleased that we are able to offer most services to residents who need them during this time. Keeping people safe and supported during the pandemic is important to us, and I want to thank staff for adapting to the restrictions as the governments announce them. The best thing you can do to support all key workers at the moment is keep washing your hands, keep wearing a face covering when you need to and keep making space."

Other county council services will continue to be provided with the majority of staff working from home.

Keep up to date with the latest Tier 2 government guidance online at www.gov.uk/guidance