Coronavirus: view the status of our services

We are providing information for residents, businesses, and communities which we will review and update regularly. View the latest updates, advice and guidance.

Service updates

Due to Coronavirus, some of our services are currently disrupted. Check back regularly for updates on what services are running as normal, are disrupted, or closed.

Normal

  • Benefits and local council tax support
    Housing support, benefits and Council Tax services are operating as normal.
  • Helpline

    Helpline is running as normal to provide an alarm, response and monitoring service for older and vulnerable people living in Colchester and North Essex. Call 01206 769799 or visit helplineplus.co.uk.

  • Community services
    Community 360 are supporting residents in need with food and medical supplies.
  • Parking
    Most of our car parks are open and we encourage visitors to use MiPermit to make contactless payments. The Mill Pond Car Park in Dedham is temporarily closed until Friday 4 December, whilst it is used as a compound by Suffolk County Council for major bridge works.
  • Housing
    Visit Colchester Borough Homes for the latest service updates
  • Parks and countryside sites
    Parks and countryside sites are open, but visitors must follow government guidelines. Highwoods Country Park Visitors Centre is closed.
  • Recycling and rubbish

    Recycling collections are operating as normal (except textile recycling, which remains suspended).

  • Playgrounds

    All playgrounds are open. We ask that you read our COVID-19 playground guidance before your visit.

  • Building Control

    We are currently processing all Building Regulation applications and undertaking all site inspections as usual. However, on occasions we will use our discretion to determine if site inspections may need to be carried out by virtual means.

Disrupted

  • Animal services

    Our Pest Control service is operating; however, bedbug treatments are currently unavailable.

  • Bereavement services

    The crematorium and cemetery are open for funerals with up to 30 mourners. The Book of Remembrance, Prayer Room and the crematorium office are still closed to visitors. Visitors must follow current guidelines.

    The cemetery and Garden of Remembrance will be closed to visitors, except for those who are attending a funeral, attending the scattering or burial of ashes, or visiting the grave or memorial of a loved one.

  • Colchester Market

    Colchester Market will be trading but with essential stall holders only.

  • Business support

    The Council is waiting for guidance from Central Government on how to distribute new business support. For the latest information on Government and local financial support visit www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus/businesses.

  • Environmental

    You can continue to report environmental and noise concerns. However, the Weekend Noise Service will be suspended.

Closed

  • Colchester Museums

    Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum are closed. Whilst the museums are closed, take part in fun activities from home with #MuseumFromHome and stay in touch on social media @ColMuseums.

  • Skateparks
    All skateparks are closed.
  • Ball and basketball courts
    All ball and basketball courts are closed.
  • Outdoor gyms

    All outdoor gyms are closed.

  • Visitor Information Centre

    Colchester’s Visitor Information Centre (based in Hollytrees Museum) is now closed. The team can still advise and help with tourism enquiries through email and social media. Contact the team at vic@colchester.gov.uk or find them on social media @VisitColchester.

  • Aqua Springs

    Aqua Springs is now closed. For the latest information visit www.aqua-springs.co.uk.

  • Leisure World

    Leisure World Colchester, Tiptree and Highwoods are closed. Whilst the centers are closed, take part in home workouts by downloading the My Wellness app, visit www.mywellness.com. Stay in touch on social media @MyLeisureWorld.

  • Weddings

    Ceremonies and receptions are currently not taking place.