Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced plans to start reopening its buildings this autumn following the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Wales.

Last month, Wales moved into Alert Level Zero – which saw most restrictions, including social distancing, removed.

However, mask wearing is still compulsory in shops, on public transport and in healthcare settings.

The council’s headquarters in Tredomen is likely to reopen its doors to the public in September, while assessments are being carried out in other council buildings across the borough.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, many council services have been operating remotely.

In a press release, the council said: “Work is currently ongoing by the council to develop systems of agile working that meet the needs of both staff and residents, whilst remaining in line with guidance from Welsh Government.”

Councillor Colin Gordon, the council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said “The council has used new and innovative ways throughout the pandemic to ensure services have continued to be delivered to our residents, such as our award-winning free school meals initiative.

“We understand, however, that having physical access to our buildings is important to many.”

He added: “The plans and processes approved today will now enable us to carry out rigorous assessments and put the right measures in place to ensure our buildings can be reopened whilst ensuring the safety of staff and visitors.”

Meanwhile, the council also looks set to move to ‘hybrid’ meetings, where some councillors will be present in the chamber, while others will attend remotely using video conferencing technology.

The council has conducted all meetings remotely via Microsoft Teams since the pandemic began in March 2020.