Lancaster and Morecambe libraries and businesses close, bus services reduced, but some shops are still open

Some bus services are also operating on reduced timetables, and libraries and museums across the county will be closed from Monday, March 23 until further notice.

Some businesses in Lancaster city centre remain open, operating a strict policy in terms of how many people can come into the premises at one time.

Home Bargains, Marks and Spencer, Wilko, Greggs, Single Step, as well as independent hot food takeaway shops, remain open.

TK Maxx, Primark, Lush, HMV and many other businesses have closed until further notice, following on from pubs, clubs and restaurants last week.

Butcher Gregory Williams Ltd, in Marketgate Shopping Centre, will remain open, and is also offering delivery services for customers including cheeses and pies.

At the Crook O' Lune, Woodies has closed until further notice.

There are fewer people moving about in the city, but people are still out shopping.

Lancaster City Council shared government advice this morning, which said: "The latest advice and guidance from the government is to avoid non-essential travel. Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar. Stay at home, keep communities safe and save lives."

Highest Point festival, scheduled for May 15 - 17, at Lancaster's Williamson Park, has been postponed.

Organisers said the event would happen later in the year.

Temporary changes to bus services in Cumbria & North Lancashire are being introduced by Stagecoach from Monday 23 March, following new government advice around social contact and non-essential travel to help combat the coronavirus.

A reduced timetable will operate across the region until further notice. The timetables have been carefully created to ensure that critical routes are maintained wherever possible.

Bus services in Lancaster and Morecambe:

Service 1/1A - Buses between Lancaster & University will run every 30 mins. Buses from Lancaster to Morecambe available every 15 mins on the 1 or 1A. First bus from Morecambe Battery 0528, from Heysham 0626, from University 0625. Last bus from Uni 1848, Heysham 2328.

Service 100/2X - no change

Service 4 - every hour first bus 0715 from Lancaster Railway Station, 0754 from Alexandra Park

Service 5 - no change

Service 6/6A - every hour from Lancaster to Morecambe. First bus from Morecambe to Lancaster 0654, from Lancaster to Morecambe 0730, from Westgate to Morecambe 0907. Last bus from Morecambe to 2232, last bus from Lancaster to Morecambe 2305.

Service 7 - every hour first bus 0700 last bus 1900. No evening service

Service 10 - every hour, first bus 0658, last bus 1858.

Service 11 - every hour 0730 to 1930

Service 18 - every hour 0730 to 1830

Service 49 - Now runs from Lancaster to Warton every hour during the middle part of the day. First bus from Lancaster 0730, from Halton 0752 and Warton 0920. Last bus from Lancaster to Warton 1530 and last bus from Lancaster to Halton 1830.

Service 55 - Now every 2 hours during the day with peak journeys to Warton

Service 40/41 - Buses will run every hour during the day between Morecambe and the University. First bus 0530 from Morecambe, first bus from Preston 0655. Last bus from Morecambe 2200 and Preston to Lancaster 2215.

Service 42 - no change

Service 80/81 - no change

Service 755 - no change

Libraries in Lancashire will close on Monday 23 March until further notice, in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The closure will come into effect from 5pm on Monday March 23 to allow library users the opportunity to get books out before they close. The mobile library service will also close from Monday.

The council said it is doing all it can to maintain as many of its services as possible, but due to the extraordinary nature of the coronavirus crisis, many services are likely to be affected.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the right thing to do for the people of Lancashire.

"Up until Monday, you can still visit the library and borrow as many books as you need during this difficult period. The loan limit will also be increased to 30 titles.

"During the time that libraries are closed, Lancashire's library members will still be able to download eBooks and audiobooks using BorrowBox, which is available at any time.

"We will also continue to provide a home library service – but will have more details on how this will work next week."

County Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "We are sorry to have to take these measures due to the COVID19 outbreak but I’m sure residents will agree it is in the best interests of the people of Lancashire and our staff."