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Critical services are still required to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic and in 51�Թ����App and Bute, the council’s Regulatory Services is working with Police Scotland to ensure that these businesses work safely to protect their staff and the wider community. This is a common approach, agreed across all Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Both council officers and police will take the approach of Engage, Explain and Enforcement. Enforcement will only happen if public health is compromised, or the business will not co-operate.

“We will beat this with co-operation, collaboration and community spirit.” These were the words of Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of the 51�Թ����App and Bute Council, in advance of the first meeting of the council’s Business Continuity Committee (BCC).

Our Caring for People coronavirus helpline 01546 605524 will be open between 10am and 1pm on Easter Friday and Monday. This is also the Local Assessment Centre for anyone who has been asked to stay at home for 12 weeks (shielding). This is for support for those impacted in our community and is not an emergency line. When our offices are closed, we have a number of emergency contact details including: Social work services – 01631 566491 or 01631 569712

51�Թ����App and Bute Council has taken the decision to close its car parks at Luss, Arrochar (Glenloin 1 and 2) and Duck Bay during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Our message for visitors is: “please stay away so we can welcome you back soon.” National guidance is clear – only travel if it’s essential. We all have a duty to act responsibly and keep each other safe from the threat of COVID-19. We want to welcome visitors back to 51�Թ����App and Bute, but once it is safe to travel.

The latest bin collection calendars for Bute, which have the schedules for the next few months, are now available on our website . During the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic, the council is introducing a simplified, two-weekly bin collection where recycling and general waste will be collected at the same time. Please put out your general waste bin on the calendar dates provided below and on our website. This gives each household more collections.

The latest bin collection calendars for Kintyre, which have the schedule for the next few months, are now available on our website. During the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic, the council is introducing a simplified, two-weekly bin collection. Please put out your general waste bin on the calendar dates provided below and on our website. Kintyre Recycling Ltd will also provide a four-weekly recycling service starting on Monday 13 April.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and in line with Government guidance on the restriction of non-essential contact, the quickest way to contact the Council should be by email, telephone through our contact management centre or through our website. Please note letters sent by post will only be opened once a week during this time. We can be contacted via the following methods:

People from across the UK came together last night to show their appreciation to carers and frontline service staff as they ‘Clapped for Carers’. Our Senior Management Team joined the event to show their own appreciation of all council staff who continue to help communities across 51�Թ����App and Bute.  Pippa Milne, Chief Executive for 51�Թ����App and Bute Council has sent her own personal thanks to staff. 

We appreciate your co-operation and patience as we make changes to our waste collection services during the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. This is to make sure that we have enough resources to deliver critical services in a way that meets government guidelines and keeps the public and our staff safe. We are continually monitoring the resources available and will let you know if more become available.

51�Թ����App and Bute Council has agreed major changes to its decision-making processes as part of its response to COVID-19. Leader of 51�Թ����App and Bute Council, Councillor Aileen Morton explained: “Our committee system works well when we can plan ahead and deliver a range of meetings focusing on different areas of the council’s work. The COVID-19 pandemic however changes quickly. Our decision-making process has to be flexible enough to deliver decisions rapidly so that we are doing all we can to protect our employees and communities.