Lockdown restrictions in Gedling borough and across England are being eased today.

Wales lifted some of their Covid restrictions on Saturday, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have also started relaxing their rules.

What changes from today (March 29)

Larger groups of up to six people, from any number of households, or a group of any size from up to two households, are allowed to gather in parks and gardens in England, according to Government guidelines.

The Government’s “stay at home” order will end, with messaging moving to “stay local”, but people will be asked to continue to work from home where possible, and overseas travel will remain banned.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts are also set to reopen, with organised adult and children’s sport – including grassroots football – able to return.

– When will more restrictions be eased ?

From April 12 at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen.

Most outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks can reopen, although wider social distancing rules will still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools will also be opened but for use by people on their own or in household groups.

Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise from six to 15.

– What happens next in England?

From no earlier than May 17 most social contact rules outside will be lifted although gatherings of more than 30 will remain illegal.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply – although the Government has said it will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

ndoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.

Limited crowds will also be allowed at sporting events.

All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted from June 21, allowing for larger events to go ahead and nightclubs to reopen.

– How is the Government deciding when to lift restrictions?

There will a minimum of five weeks between each step of easing restrictions in England to allow for coronavirus-related data to be assessed against four tests:

The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.

Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing the number admitted to hospital and deaths in those vaccinated.

Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions, which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern.

Pensioners in Gedling borough can now request a one-off collection of any large items such as sofas, fridge freezers, carpets, mattresses and other items for free.

11,000 residents will be eligible for a free bulky waste collection as part of a new scheme launched by Gedling Borough Council.

The service is being introduced as part of the council’s ongoing work to support elderly residents and reduce inequality and hardship in the borough.

This new scheme will work alongside the existing provision of a free bulky waste collection for all households in the borough in January and February each year.

This year, hundreds of households took advantage of the free collection, which also helps to reduce fly tipping and contaminated bins.

This new scheme will work in the same way except it will be available all year round. By taking advantage of this service, eligible customers will be saving up to £30 based on a three-item collection.

Bookings for the free collections can be made from April by calling the council on 0115 901 3901. When requesting the service, customers will be asked to confirm that they are of pensionable age and collections are subject to availability.

Deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor Michael Payne said: “I’m proud that we’ve been able to offer this free bulky waste service to over 11,000 eligible elderly residents. It will give them a chance to get rid of any unwanted items and save them up to £30 that, for many, will be a much needed saving during these difficult times.

“While some residents can rely on friends and family to help them to remove unwanted items, we know not everyone can, particularly some of our more vulnerable and isolated residents. 

“We already run an incredibly popular free collection period each year in January and February for all households, but this additional offer will be available all year round, for pensioners and I hope it will be of great benefit.

He added: “In spite of the severe funding cuts to our services and a reduction in government grants, we are continuing to offer our residents the support that matters to them the most and this is another example of how we are focused on serving people and improving lives.”