LEISURE centres and civic halls across Bury will close from today due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Council chiefs have confirmed that The Castle in Bury and Ramsbottom and Radcliffe leisure centres are to shut temporarily.

And Ramsbottom Civic, the Longfield Suite in Prestwich, and the Elizabethan Suite in Bury are being mothballed.

Bury Art Museum and the Connect and Direct social care office in Bury have also now closed due to staffing issues, as has Bury Adult Learning Centre

Libraries will remain open for the time being, according to town hall officials.

Cllr David Jones, leader of the council, said: “The Government’s advice is absolutely clear – we must all do as much as we can to keep our distance.

“The council is still open for business, but we will focusing all our efforts on maintaining essential services such as waste collection and supporting the most vulnerable in our society, such as those who receive social care.”

Council officials say staff in suspended services will be asked to work from home, or may be directed to other services should the need arise.

And there is confirmation that staff will contact those who have made bookings at the civic halls to discuss the options. For enquiries while the buildings are closed, call 0161 253 5903 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or e-mail buryvenues@bury.gov.uk