Shopping & Local Services

Co-operative Store - whilst many large stores are able to organise special opening hours for the vulnerable the delivery system means that this is not currently an option in Great Wakering. However the Clerk has been told that any elderly or vulnerable people will be able to go to the front of any queue to avoid unnecessary social contact.

Library: Closed.  See also the library page.

All loans have been extended until the end of July and all overdue fees will be waived. The online reservation service is currently suspended for physical items but it's possible to reserve items from the e-Library which is available 24/7 with more titles being added. New customers who join online can access these services quickly and without needing to collect a library card. New online members can now use RBdigital and Borrowbox with their online membership number to access.thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-comics, e-magazines and e-newspapers.

For as long as schools are closed, Audible is making its extensive collection of children's audio books available to stream free of charge, including titles in six different languages.

For more information on ebooks and audio visit: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/e-books-e-audio-e-magazines-and-book-groups/e-books-and-e-audio/

Public Toilets: Closed

Allotments: See allotment page.

Recreation Ground: Communal areas such as playgrounds are closed, please do not attempt to access the equipment. For advice on visiting parks and open spaces such as the common visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaceshttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces

RDC Carparks Update

Rochford District Council will be recommencing enforcement measures in the Council's pay and display car parks from Monday 1 June, 2020.

Please ensure you purchase a PayByPhone session or a ticket. While the purchase of a ticket using cash will be possible, it is strongly advised that the PayByPhone payment option is used to avoid queuing and contact with coins and the ticket machines. If you haven't already registered, full information is displayed on the machines and noticeboards. To save time, please register on-line before your visit at https://paybyphone.co.uk/ Customers are reminded to follow the Government's social distancing advice at all times in the car parks. The Council continues to provide free car parking for NHS staff and social care workers until further notice. If you are one of these workers, please display supporting official evidence on the windscreen of your vehicle. 

If you don't have a Smartphone, you can still use the service by calling0330 400 7275 and follow the prompts to enter your details and complete the payment.  If you would prefer to text send REG followed by a space and then your vehicle registration number in a text message to 65565 and you will be called back to complete the payment.

Essex Country Parks - Reopening Update

Essex Country Parks reopen to the public today, 21^st May. This follows the easing of restrictions to outside space and safety measures being put into place to allow us to open in line with government guidance to help keep visitors and staff safe. The parks, car parks and toilets will be open to the public, however children's play equipment, visitor centres and cafes will remain closed.

Visitors will need to observe the current rules on social distancing, particularly in places that could become crowded such as the car parks and toilets.

In anticipation that the parks will be busy visitors are asked to use their judgment in relation to their visit, for example considering the time of your trip so that not everyone arrives at once.

Important changes to note before you visit:

• Restricted opening hours of 9am - 5pm
• Once car parks are full, access to the parks will be limited
• You are encouraged to download the car parking payment app in advance of your visit to minimise contact with the machines

For a full statement and FAQs around the reopening please visit the ECC website here https://www.explore-essex.com/covid-19-updates-may-2020 

Planned gas mains works in Rochford

In response to the COVID 19 crisis, Triio and Cadent will be postponing planned work and closing operations until further notice. In line with the Government's approach, they will review the situation in three weeks and take appropriate advice at that time. As soon as there is an update on resuming work, we will provide further updates. Please follow the Triio webpage on the following link for updates and information.http://triio.co.uk/rochford/http://triio.co.uk/rochford/

Citizens Advice

Due to COVID 19 Citizens Advice has suspended its face to face services. For clarity below are the up to date contact details. 

• Advice Line - Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm   0300 330 2101
• Money Advice Helpline - Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm 01277 358082
• Email via a web form - www.citizensadvicerochford.org.uk
• Support to apply for Universal Credit available from our Help to Claim service 0800 144 8444https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/helptoclaim/#h-our-help-to-claim
• Information is available 24 hours a day on www.citizensadvice.org.uk

The above information updated 22/05/20