Temporary closure of Summerhill visitor centre and postponement of “Face the Public” event

It comes after a small number of staff have self-isolated after feeling unwell.

The visitor centre is due to reopen on Monday 16 March following a deep clean.

Anyone with concerns around Coronavirus should follow NHS guidance at nhs.uk/coronavirus

Hartlepool Borough Council has also taken the decision to postpone Monday’s “Face the Public” event at the Civic Centre.

The event – to enable residents to find out more about community safety and health and wellbeing – will be rescheduled in due course.

Gill Alexander, Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I would like to reassure residents that these are precautionary steps.

“We are monitoring the national situation and are aware these are worrying times for many people and we want to be as open as we possibly can.

“The deep clean at Summerhill is well underway and the visitor centre is due to reopen on Monday.

“Part of the focus of Monday’s “Face the Public” event was health and wellbeing and we did not want to put anyone – particularly those with underlying health problems – at unnecessary risk.

“I have established a team of staff from across the Council to ensure we are on the front foot when it comes to managing risks in relation to Coronavirus and we are currently looking at all events and meetings individually to see if they should go ahead.”