CLOSURES of Saltburn cliff lift, libraries and Kirkleatham Museum have been announced in Redcar and Cleveland in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Events will cease at the Tuned In! youth centre, in Redcar from Thursday.

All libraries in the borough will also shut, however, a doorstep book delivery service is being rolled out.

The Flatts Lane and Guisborough Forest Walkway centres will also close from Thursday – although the parks themselves will remain open.

All council organised events have been cancelled until the end of April.

Youth centres in the borough will no longer be offering evening sessions from Thursday, with authority-run centres which host adult day services also closing by Friday at the latest.

Council bosses say alternative IT facilities to help people with benefit claims will be offered at employment hubs in Grangetown and Skinningrove – alongside another, as yet unnamed, facility in Redcar.

Bosses say council staff will work from home where appropriate with public meetings of councillors also cancelled.

Cllr Steve Kay, cabinet member for health, housing and welfare, said the decisions hadn’t been taken lightly.

“But they are a proportionate response to developing efforts to contain Covid-19,” he added.

“As well as delivering its key services, the council will work with and support community groups and volunteers to ensure help is available for those seeking it.

“The council is working on a package of emergency measures to support low income families and will also develop appropriate help for those suffering the effects of isolation.”

Like others on Teesside, Redcar and Cleveland Council is working with Public Health England to try and combat the virus.

The authority is rolling out a doorstep book delivery service to vulnerable and housebound residents using one of the its electric vans.

Those over 70 urged to avoid social contact are also in the sights of the council – with leaders urging them to download a “Borrow Box” app to access free library books online.

Residents will need their library card number and PIN number which they can access by telephoning 01642 774774.

Council leaders have come under fire for their response to the virus in recent days – with the administration accused of inconsistencies in their response and a “lack of action”.

On Tuesday, Cllr Carl Quartermain, Labour group leader, slammed the authority – saying a “simple request” to provide hand sanitisers at the entrances of council-owned public buildings had gone unheeded.

“There has been no obvious changes to services or collective statements from a joined up council,” he said.

“This crisis seems to be happening without changes to practices and without intervention from this administration who keep citing out-of-date advice while not changing practices to help prevent the spread of the virus.”

However, leader Cllr Mary Lanigan said the council was “still operational”.

She added: “It is vital we do all we can to minimise the spread of coronavirus in our communities while caring for the most vulnerable and delivering our statutory services.

“Our staff are working hard to prepare for all eventualities and there may be the need to focus our resources so I would ask our residents to remain patient during this challenging time.

“I can assure you that we will do all we can to keep you informed as the situation develops.”