21/07/2020 - Permalink

Phased re-opening of Shropshire Archives to begin on 29 July 2020

Related topics: Community / Coronavirus / Health / Leisure, culture and heritage

In line with national guidance and following the results of a recent customer survey, Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives is planning a phased re-opening to the public from Wednesday 29 July 2020.

Customers will need to make a prior appointment and order documents and books a week in advance. Access to microfiche and microfilm readers and to public computers will not be available during this first period of re-opening.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“Shropshire Archives has continued to deliver an online service throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, but we are thrilled to soon be in a position to welcome people back to the building.

“The health and safety of staff and customers is our top priority so measures will be in place to reassure people that they will be safe when visiting.”

Opening hours will be as follows:

29 July to 14 August – Wednesdays and Fridays, 10am – 2pm

19 August to 3 September – Wednesdays to Fridays, 10am – 2pm

From Wednesday 9 September we plan to revert to our normal opening hours of Wednesdays to Fridays 10am – 4pm, but due to how fast things can change due to COVID-19, we will confirm that in due course.

Saturday opening will also be reviewed at this point.

This phased approach will help us to ensure that Shropshire Archives is a safe space for all, and that the services we offer can be delivered safely. It also gives us the opportunity to review our approach with the flexibility to adjust our plans accordingly if required.

What to expect when Shropshire Archives re-opens

There will be limited spaces available in the archives searchroom and the reading room will not be open. We will ask you to comply with social distancing and hygiene requirements including providing information as part of the NHS Track and Trace service.

We ask all customers to contact us at archives@shropshire.gov.uk prior to your visit to discuss your requirements.

For information about other services within culture, leisure and tourism, visit the Shropshire Council website.