WEYMOUTH Town Council, Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council have closed their offices due to coronavirus – but can still be contacted by the public.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that stricter restrictions are being implemented across the country to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A spokesman for Dorset Council, said: “We have closed our public facing offices in line with Government advice to restrict face to face contact with all but the most vulnerable people in our communities. The decision to close these along with our libraries, leisure centres, day centres and country parks was taken to help minimise the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS. We would appeal to residents to not come to our offices, but instead to use our website or call us if they need advice or help.”

"The council is still very much open, and we are working hard to make sure the most critical services can continue to be delivered."

A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council, said: “Weymouth Town Council and Dorset Council continue to work together through these difficult times. The decision was taken in order to adhere to the government’s instructions on protecting communities from coronavirus.”

All the councils can be contacted via email or phone should anyone still need to get in touch.

Details are available on their websites.