COUNCIL leisure centres and libraries will close from tomorrow afternoon (Friday, March 20) until further notice, it’s been announced this morning.
Pembrokeshire County Council announced the closures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to increase social distancing.
The Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies ceased its front-line service at 5pm last night (Wednesday, March 18).
Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture, said: “I have today, based on the best advice available to me, agreed to the closure of the county’s libraries, leisure centres, and the Manor House museum at Scolton with effect from 3.15pm on Friday 20th March.
“In addition, I have also agreed to the closure of the archive search room from 5pm Wednesday 18th March.
“This has been done firstly to minimise the risk in relation to the spread of the coronavirus and secondly to enable us to release non-critical staff to support the Council’s wider response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“These closures will be reviewed regularly and services will resume once the advice suggests it is safe to do so.
“We will continue to do all we can to keep our communities safe.”
At Scolton Manor, the museum, tea room and visitor centre will close at 3.15pm on Friday, but the grounds and play areas will remain open.
Staff will be redeployed where necessary.
Leisure centre memberships will be frozen and no further deductions taken with any club and pre-paid bookings refunded, or moved to other suitable, future dates.
The libraries closure includes the mobile library service and existing loans will be extended for the closure period.
There will be no need to return items during the closure period and there will not be any overdue fines for these items once normal service is resumed.
Library users can access ebooks, audio books, emagazines and ecomics online, 24-7 at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/using-library-services/24-7-e-library
The research room at Pembrokeshire Archives has closed until further notice.
However, the service will continue to respond to remote enquiries and correspondence, although responses may be delayed.
Archives users are encouraged to keep in contact via the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PembsArchives/
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