Rutland County Council plans to reopen a number of public buildings and visitor attractions next week, including Oakham Castle and the Rutland County Museum, as national COVID restrictions are eased further.

Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health said: "We are all looking ahead to Monday 17 May and taking the next step along the Government's roadmap out of lockdown. If all goes to plan, limits will ease on seeing friends and family, and more businesses can re-open, including hospitality, indoor entertainment and visitor accommodation, as well as indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

"This is all hugely positive. However, the overriding message to share with residents, businesses and visitors is 'Let's take the next step safely'. That's what we'll be doing across all Council sites and services, with the appropriate social distancing and other COVID safety measures in place."

All Rutland County Council sites will be operating in line with Track and Trace requirements. Visitors should register using the phone app where possible. Hand sanitiser will be provided at all sites and face coverings are required unless an exception applies.

Oakham Castle

From Monday 17 May, Oakham Castle will reopen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00am to 1.00pm. There will be a limit of 10 people allowed in the Great Hall at one time. Staff will be on hand to provide help and advice.

Rutland County Museum

The County Museum in Oakham will reopen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. There will be a limit of 20 people allowed in the Museum at one time. Again, staff will be there to assist visitors.

Rutland Register Office

Register Office Services will continue to operate as previously, although weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place with up to 30 people where premises can do so safely.

Rutland Library Service

Libraries will be allowing borrowers to browse shelves and choose their own stock, as well as continuing to offer an Order and Collect service, and use of personal computers. Opening hours for local libraries can be found at: www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries

Active Rutland Hub

The Active Rutland Hub will begin to resume scheduled group sports and exercise classes. Regular users are advised to contact individual groups and clubs for further details.

Visions Children's Centre

Visions Children's Centre in Oakham continues to deliver specific services for Rutland families, while nearby Catmose House continues to be used as a Vaccination Centre.

More information can be found on the Visions website visionsccc.co.uk and Facebook page. Please email [email protected] for further information.

Jules House Youth Service

Jules House in Oakham will remain closed but the service continues to provide a programme for young people in Rutland in the community, including a range of summer activities after 17 May. For more information, please call: 01572 758301 or e-mail [email protected]. Details can also be found online at: ris.rutland.gov.uk

Adult Learning Services

Rutland Adult Learning & Skills Service (RALSS) reopened on 19 April with a range of COVID safety measures in place. The latest RALSS course dates and information are available at: www.ralss.org.uk.

Waste and Recycling Services:

Rutland's Cottesmore Recycling Centre reopens on Monday May 17. You must book in advance to use the site, which will open four days a week (Friday to Monday), from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Bookings can be made online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/hwrcbooking or by calling 01572 722 577, if you do not have internet access. Trailers will not be allowed at Cottesmore Recycling Centre when the site reopens.

More information on all County Council services is available on the website at: www.rutland.gov.uk, by emailing: [email protected] or by calling: 01572 722 577.