MALDON will see a greater return to a 'new normal' this week more than five months after full lockdown.

Schools will reopen to all year groups in the area in the coming days. Detailed advice on Covid safety measures has been provided to parents, carers and students.

Bus timetables in Maldon and the surrounding areas largely return to pre-Covid timetables from today (Tuesday, September 1), though these should be checked with the bus operator concerned in case of any changes that need to be made due to the ongoing pandemic situation.

There will be some additional buses scheduled to cope with the demand from schoolchildren and allow for social distancing. Free travel for NHS workers will end and normal bus pass time restrictions will again come into effect. Face coverings should be worn on public transport.

Parking charges in the town centre will return to normal from today on Mondays to Wednesdays as the government-funded Eat Out to Help Out scheme has come to a close.

Residents will be able to pick up recycling and food waste bags in town from tomorrow, as the Maldon Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall on Market Hill will be re-opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10.30am and 3.30pm for the bags and local information.