A number of libraries in the BCP Council area opened today, with a phased re-opening as April progresses.

From today 12 April – Boscombe, Broadstone, and Charminster libraries will offer browsing and bookable public computers. Bournemouth, Christchurch, Kinson Hub, Poole, Rossmore, and West Howe libraries will also offer bookable study tables.

From 19 April – Canford Heath, Highcliffe, Southbourne, Tuckton, Westbourne, and Winton libraries will offer browsing and bookable public computers. Hamworthy Library will also offer bookable study tables.

From 26 April – Branksome, Castlepoint, Creekmoor, and Oakdale libraries will offer browsing and bookable public computers. Springbourne Library will also offer bookable study tables.

Canford Cliffs, Ensbury Park and Parkstone libraries will continue to provide Order & Collect services.

Leisure facilities also re-opened today, 12 April.

The gym, the swimming pools, the sports hall and squash have re-opened at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch.

Also now open are the information centres in Bournemouth and Poole, retail facilities and some outdoor catering facilities at Highcliffe Castle, Poole Museum and the Russell Cotes Museum, Hengistbury Head, Kingfisher Barn and Stanpit Marsh Visitor Centres and self-catering accommodation at Bournemouth Beach Lodges and Steamer Point Lodge.

Matti Raudsepp, director of Customer and Business Delivery at BCP Council, said: “All venues that reopen will have strict COVID-safe procedures in place and we would ask everyone accessing them to follow the rules, to help keep visitors and staff safe.

“As we begin to enjoy access to more services again, please remember hands-face-space: keep hands regularly cleaned, wear a mask whenever you should and follow the rules on social distancing. People across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have sacrificed a huge amount over recent months to stop the spread of COVID-19, so please help us to keep our rates low locally and take this next step safely.”

As more services open up in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the Council’s Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams will be out and about across BCP, offering support and guidance to businesses. Business Information Officers will also be on hand to help businesses comply with the new rules, providing advice on issues such as new Test and Trace requirements.