Douglas Council has suspended all ’non-essential’ services until further notice in a move to mitigate public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says the move will also ensure essential services continue.

Douglas town hall is closed to staff and public but phone lines are being staffed remotely.

Housing services that are being carried out are answering tenants’ calls and queries, processing rent payments and moving tenants to more convenient automated pay solutions, fixing emergency property requests, checking key systems in communal buildings and supporting sheltered accommodation tenants with third sector agencies and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Litter bins in parks and green spaces are being emptied.

The golf course is being maintained even though it is closed.

On-street litter bins are being emptied and road litter swept up, as resources allow.

The Eastern Household Recycling Centre is closed and its bring bank service suspended.

Henry Bloom Noble Library is closed but e-books, e-magazines, and e-audio books service are available.

Electrical services and arborists are responding to emergencies only.

Borough wardens are assisting vulnerable residents in sheltered housing.

Dangerous structures will be attended to.

Parking in the council’s car parks - Chester Street, Drumgold Street, the Bottleneck and Shaw’s Brow - is now free.

Council-operated public toilets are open.

The borough cemetery, crematorium and bereavement services are being maintained.