In line with the latest government Coronavirus advice, Gravesham Civic Centre has closed its doors to visitors until further notice.

Front-line services are still running and staff are rotating working from home with as little disruption as possible whilst trying to prevent the further spreading of the virus.

Gravesham council spokesman, Sarah Knight said: "The council's number one priority is to keep the local community safe."

The council announced last week that the Woodville Theatre and café are temporarily closed and made a further announcement yesterday to say the civic offices were now also closed.

People are being advised to visit www.gravesham.gov.uk or call 01474 337000.

Where possible external meetings, including committee meetings have been cancelled or are being conducted in line with social distancing guidance until further notice.

Advice on changes to council services, guidance for businesses and advice for those that are suffering financial losses are being provided through dedicated pages on the council’s website and promoted via the council’s social media, which will be updated regularly as more advice is received.

The Gravesham council’s returning officer has also made the decision to postpone the Westcourt ward by-election, which was due to take place on Thursday, April, 16.

David Hughes, returning officer for the council, said: “With the government advising on social distancing measures we should all be undertaking, the priority must be to keep people safe.

“This announcement does not mean that the by-election is cancelled, it’s just postponed until it is safe to run again.

“When conditions improve and social distancing measures are lifted, we will provide further information to electors on when this election will take place."

In addition, eligible Gravesham businesses will not need to apply for the relief on business rates.

The council will send amended bills to those who qualify, confirming that there will be no business rates payable from Wednesday, April, 1.

Businesses in these sectors benefitting from this relief, and with a Rateable Value up to £51,000, will also receive a cash grant of up to £25,000.

All businesses, regardless of sector, which are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief will be eligible for a cash payment of £10,000, payment will be made when central government confirms all the details of the scheme.

Leader of Gravesham council Cllr John Burden said: “I appreciate the impact Covid-19 is having on our business community.

"I want to re-assure you that Gravesham Borough Council will be doing everything we possibly can to support you in the weeks and months ahead.

"The council is expecting detail from government on how the schemes will be implemented and we are getting ready to make the payments as quickly as possible because we know how important it will be to get this cash into the bank accounts of local employers.

"The government grants will be automatically paid where possible where we hold up-to-date payment details for businesses. We will be in contact with those businesses where we do not hold current payment details and urge all businesses to respond as promptly as possible. "

For further updates and information including government updates and support for local businesses visit www.gravesham.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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