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 769779 or visit helplineplus.co.uk.

  • Community services
    Community 360 are supporting residents in need with food and medical supplies.
  • Parking
    Our car parks are open and we encourage contactless payments using MiPermit.
  • Colchester Market

    Colchester Market is trading with essential item stalls only. For more information on market days and locations, visit our service summary page.

  • Business support

    The Council is asking all businesses to apply for a business support grant, even if they're not currently eligible, ahead of additional funding. The business support grant application form only needs to be completed once, and we will contact businesses if they're eligible for grants at a later stage.

  • 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. High Woods Country Park Visitors Centre is closed.
  • Recycling and rubbish

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

  • Building Control

    We continue to offer a near fully operational service. However, there are some current changes put in place around site visits and inspections.

    All staff are working remotely. Full guidance can be found at Building Control service changes. 

Disrupted

  • Animal services

    Our Pest Control service is operating; however, bedbug treatments are currently unavailable. Advice can be given on the self-treatment if required.

  • Bereavement services

    The crematorium and cemetery are open for funerals with up to 20 mourners in the chapel and up to 30 at a graveside. The Book of Remembrance, Prayer Room and the crematorium office are still closed to visitors. Visitors must follow current guidelines.

    A maximum of 6 people may attend an ashes burial or wake.

    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.
  • Environmental

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

  • Playgrounds

    Most playgrounds remain open. Upper Castle Park playground is closed. We ask that you read our COVID-19 safety guidance before you visit your local play equipment.

Closed

  • Hollytrees Museum
    Hollytrees Museum is closed.
  • Colchester Museums

    Colchester Castle and the Natural History Museum are closed. Check out our fun #MuseumFromHome activities for ideas and things to do.

  • Outdoor gyms, skateparks and sports courts
    All outdoor gyms, skateparks and sports courts are closed.
  • Visitor Information Centre

    Colchester's Visitor Information Centre is closed.

  • Aqua Springs

    Aqua Springs Spa and Beauty Therapy Treatments are closed.

  • Leisure World

    All Leisure World sites - Colchester, Highwoods and Tiptree - are closed.

  • Weddings

    National lockdown dictates that weddings cannot take place in Colchester unless in extraordinary circumstances and upon request from Essex County Council.