Council confirms funeral week services
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have announced a variety of changes to crucial services for next week in light of the National Day of Mourning scheduled for September 19; allowing staff and partners the opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II as her funeral service is broadcast from Westminster Abbey.
Residents are warned of minor disruption as a result with the Civil Offices’ building set to close next Monday; reopening on Tuesday morning (September 20) as normal. However emergency assistance will still continue to be provided through the Council’s Out of Hours service, with further details on all numbers available here.
More importantly waste collecting, including general waste and garden waste services, will be suspended on September 19. Residents who normally have their bins collected on Monday will see them emptied 24 hours later on September 20 (Tuesday); covering both normal rubbish and recycling depending on their schedules.
All other collections in the week will further be delayed by one day through to the Friday collection, which will now be collected on Saturday 24 September. Normal collection services will resume from the following week (September 26) with local residents asked to be understanding to these historic and unique circumstances.
Monday’s popular market will not be operating in the Town Centre on September 19 in their mark of respect, with many stores likely to close their doors throughout the day. Solent Airport in Daedalus will also close for the day whilst public amenities will remain open; including all public toilets and car parks across the borough.
Fareham Leisure Centre and Holly Hill Leisure Centre will both remain closed on the bank holiday, reopening as usual at 6am on September 20. It is further expected that local businesses and sectors will also be closed with more announcements due in the coming days, residents and visitors asked to check before travelling.
Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward stated in a press release made public on Tuesday: “Monday 19 September has been declared a National Day of Mourning. The Council will therefore be joining the rest of the country to pay tribute to our most beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.”
He continued to sympathise with those affected by the changes, adding: “While there will be minor disruption to some Council services throughout the week following the funeral, these will continue to be delivered and will resume as usual from the 26 September. We thank you for your (respectful) patience & understanding.”
In related news Fareham residents have been invited to participate in the national one minute silence, which will be observed by the country at 8pm on September 18. This was announced by Downing Street earlier this week and will be accompanied by two minutes of silence as part of the official state funeral order of service.
Residents are furthermore welcome to attend a memorial service in Fareham to honour Her Majesty, which will take place at St Peter and St Paul Church on Osborn Road. This will start at 3pm on September 18 with a large crowd expected, offering locals a chance to pay their respects on the eve of the official state funeral.
Readers can find out more information and local updates on the death of Queen Elizabeth II by viewing the new dedicated page on the council’s website: www.fareham.gov.uk/QueenElizabethII. Developing national updates can further be seen by visiting mainstream media sites like BBC News, Sky News and ITV News.
PICTURED BY ALAMY: Fareham Borough Council have announced changes to key services for next week from September 19, the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II after her passing last Thursday PM.
