600% boom in online library membership

LIBRARIES across some parts of the country have seen an increase in newly registered users of more than 600 % since lockdown measures were introduced, the Local Government Association reveals. All Council owned libraries have closed because of the Coronavirus outbreak but residents are still able to access digital library resources online. Councils are providing additional online access to resources under the hashtag:- '#LibrariesFromHome,' extending online memberships for no extra fee, and all fines incurred as a result of the closures will be waived. As a result there has been a boom in new digital users.  For example, Hampshire County Council has seen a 770% increase in new digital users, Cornwall Council a 630% increase and Hertfordshire County Council an increase of 332%.

The LGA, which represents Councils across England, says many libraries are restricted in the number of e-books and audio books they can provide for their residents because of licensing limits with publishers. It is calling on the Government and publishers to work together to unlock an additional ₤5 million in investment to enable libraries to increase their capacity in loaning more e-books and audiobooks.

 In the short term, publishers could also offer increased flexibilities on the price of e-materials to increase choice for customers and reflect the current need and demand from communities for reading material. The LGA says the extra funding and flexibility would increase access to reading materials and will help to improve residents' wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety during this difficult time.

Cllr Gerald Vernon Jackson, Chair of the LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:- "The number of people registering to use digital library services across some parts of the country has rocketed.  Council libraries provide a vital service for residents and act as community hubs in normal times. Their online digital contribution has now become equally important as people turn to them as a way to help pass the time at home. Councils are doing everything they can to protect their residents' wellbeing during this difficult time. Extra funding would help libraries extend their licences and meet this growing demand."

Play equipment is being removed from the park

ALL exercise outside the home could be banned if people ignore Coronavirus social distancing rules, the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has warned. This comes as yet again people in Sefton are being told:- "Do not use this playground equipment or outdoor Gym equipment." A few days back we posted on our Social Media accounts that people are still using the playground equipment and warned that action will likely follow if people continued to do this. Now in Southport, Sefton Council has been forced to temporarily remove playground equipment from the Botanic Gardens as people continuing to access these facilities by climbing over barriers. We are getting reports that this is also happening in Formby and other parts of Merseyside. Also closed are tennis courts and other sporting areas like this, but again people are still using them! Due to a small amount of people still ignore social distancing warnings, that are in place to tackle the spread of COVID-19, despite clear guidance from Public Health England and the Government, it could mean an end to public being allowed to exercise outside.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said:- "The message could not be more clear. Residents are advised to follow stringent social distancing measures in order to protect themselves, vulnerable members of the community and the NHS during this time. To ignore these rules is quite simply life threatening and we will not hesitate to remove park equipment to deter further irresponsible actions. We have already begun decommissioning works at the playground in Botanic Gardens and will do so elsewhere if necessary."

For the full rules and advice on social distancing, please visit:- Gov.UK/Coronavirus.

Police have power to issue on the spot fines and also take stronger action, to enforce social distancing and protect the public. People are also being reminded that when outside your home, you should keep a safe distance of 2m or more from anyone who is not a member of your household. Also under the new regulations, nobody may leave their homes:- "without reasonable excuse."

Reasonable excuses is listed as:-

►  Shopping for basic necessities such as food or medicine.

►  Seeking medical assistance, or to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm.

►  To take exercise (the guidelines suggest once a day, and in Wales that is the law)

►  Providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person, providing emergency assistance, or donating blood.

►  Travelling to work or to carry out voluntary services, where it's not possible to do these from home.

►  Attending the funeral of a member of your household, or a close family member (or in some circumstances, a friend)

►  Fulfilling legal obligations, such as attending Court, satisfying bail requirements or participating in legal proceedings.

►  Accessing critical public services including childcare or education, social services, or victim support

►  Allowing children of separated parents to move between both households.

►  Moving house where reasonably necessary.

►  Religious ministers are also allowed to visit their place of worship.

Key workers and Emergency Services are allowed to work. For full lost please click here, but this could change at any point..

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock added:- "Let's not have a minority spoil it for everybody. If you don't want us to have to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside of your own home, then you've got to follow the rules."

When asked about when the timing of restrictions are going to be lifted, he has told the UK's media that:- "The more people stay at home the less the virus will spread and the sooner we can get back to normal."

CLA responds to newly published carbon report

FOLLOWING the publication of Green Alliance's new policy document The flight path to net zero: Making the most of nature based carbon offsetting by airlines, the CLA has responded. CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:- "We welcome this report which raises some thought provoking points about the pathway to achieving a net-zero economy. Nature based solutions, such as tree planting, hedgerows and management of soils, are technologies that are here now and offer multiple benefits; not just in carbon sequestration but for biodiversity and resilient farming systems. Confidence in these markets need good governance and the Woodland Carbon Code is a great example of a standardised method and accreditation that provides confidence in the market for both buyers and sellers."