Popular cultural destinations are to reopen next week, but West Suffolk residents are being warned to stick with it, to beat coronavirus.

Moyse’s Hall Museum and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village are both set to reopen on Wednesday 8 July, following Government’s phased lifting of lockdown. Safety measures include contactless payment for entry and shop (no cash), hand sanitisers on entry and exit and restricted admittance. Throughout lockdown, the museums have been providing fun learning content online and through social media, for those being home schooled, and will continue to do so every day throughout the summer.

Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said, “I am delighted that, thanks to the perseverance of our residents, we are in a position to begin to re-open the destinations that had to be closed, in a safe and considered way. I ask that we all continue to do our part by observing the measures that are needed.”

The cafes in Nowton Park, Brandon Country Park, East Town Park and West Stow Country Park are now open for hot and cold takeaway drinks and snacks. It is anticipated that the kiosk in the Abbey Gardens will reopen later in July.

Work is also being carried out to ensure that it is possible to socially distance in the 200 playgrounds maintained by West Suffolk Council. This may mean that some equipment is taken out of service for the time being. From Saturday 4 July, the play areas in five West Suffolk Parks will be open, that is in the Abbey Gardens and Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds; East Town Park, Haverhill; Brandon Country Park and West Stow Country Park. Please bear in mind that play areas may also be provided by other community organisations.

Skateparks re-opened in June, except for Newmarket, where a £150,000 young person led upgrade project is in hand, which is expected to be completed in mid-September.