Events cancelled across Sandwell for 12 weeks due to coronavirus
All events and organised activities in Sandwell have been cancelled for the next 12 weeks, council chiefs have said.
Councillor Yvonne Davies confirmed the move, with the majority of council-run buildings closing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Events in parks, museums, libraries and at Lightwoods House will not go ahead – but public spaces currently remain open.
The move includes external events not run by Sandwell Council.
Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm, museums and some libraries, will also close.
The council's West Bromwich office at Court House and Oldbury office at Sandwell Council House will remain open.
Offices in Smethwick, Rowley Regis, Wednesbury and Tipton Local offices will close and staff will be redeployed.
The council will review arrangements when the 12-week period ends in June.
Councillor Davies, leader of the authority, said: "We have taken the difficult decision to cancel major events and close some council buildings and visitor centres in Sandwell to ensure the health and safety of our visitors and staff.
"We have considered national guidelines from the government when making our decision. We have tried our best to limit the impact on our residents while still continuing to provide essential services to our customers during this difficult period.
"We are also working with supermarkets to procure essential supplies for our vulnerable and older residents. The supermarkets have welcomed us approaching them and they are doing what they can to support us during this crisis.
“This is a challenging time for everyone and I want to reassure our residents that we will continue to monitor the situation and will take the necessary steps in line with government guidelines to keep everyone safe here in Sandwell."
