A number of Swindon Borough Council's services have been curtailed because of the coronavirus lockdown.

The authority's resources are being directed to the most important services.

Leader of the council David Renard said: “Officers are working hard to keep the crucial services running that we rely on.

"For example, support for vulnerable groups is being stepped up while waste services are being sustained.

"Some officers from other service areas are being asked to provide additional support in areas which need additional capacity.

“We are in a fast-moving situation and the council is adapting to circumstances as they change.

"I'd like to thank all residents for their understanding, co-operation and support and ask them to check the council’s website and social media feeds regularly for updates on changes to services. I also thank all the council staff for their commitment to the borough’s residents.”

Waste and recycling collection services are continuing as normal, as is support for homeless people.

Visitors should not to go to the council offices on Princes Street unless absolutely necessary and should call 01793 445503 or email hoptions@swindon.gov.uk.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a rough sleeper can contact 01793 445503 at any time of day or night.

Support workers will attend all of the council’s supported housing schemes for a few hours a day and can be contacted by telephone.

The Homeline and Homeline+ emergency response service, where elderly people and those with disabilities can call for assistance in an emergency, such as a fall, or a serious deterioration in health is running as normal.

The household waste recycling centre at Waterside Park is now closed.

Only requests for urgent repairs to council housing will now be taken, such as leaks, blocked toilets or electrical faults.

The council’s parks and open spaces at Lydiard Park, Stanton Park, Coate Water, Moulden Hill and Barbury Castle are open to allow people their one period of solo or family exercise a day.

Facilities such as children’s play areas, cafes, toilet facilities and buildings are all closed.

Parking tickets will only be issued to cars left on double-yellow lines, disabled spots or parked dangerously.

No tickets will be given to drivers who are not usually allowed to use on-street residential bays, permitted bays or limited waiting bays.

Those with council parking permits will be able to park in borough council-run car parks.

Writing on Twitter, the council said: “We will be keeping a close eye on numbers to ensure demand doesn’t exceed capacity. If that does happen, we may have to resume normal enforcement.”

Even the few meetings Swindon Borough Council thought it needed to run have been cancelled owing

Updated details on the status of council’s services are available at www.swindon.gov.uk/coronavirus