AS England enters the first day of the new four-week national lockdown, here's some more information on what is and isn't available or open for Maldon district residents from today (Thursday, 5 November).

Promenade Park: The Prom remains open except for the Petting Zoo, Adventure Golf and Museum in the Park, which are all now closed until lockdown ends. Unlike in the previous lockdown, there is no time limit on outdoor exercise.

However, only one person from one household can meet one person from another household outdoors, excluding children under five. Support bubbles are exempt from this.

All Essex Country Parks: will remain open, including car parks, children's play equipment and toilets. Some cafes will also continue to offer a take-away service. You can find out where all the parks are and details of what facilities are available on the Explore Essex website here.

Essex County Council has also announced that outdoor spaces at Cressing Temple Barns, including the grounds and restored Tudor Walled Garden, will remain open for the benefit of Essex residents during lockdown.

Essex Outdoor Centres: however, these will be closed, including the outdoor centre at Danbury and the Lock Climbing Wall at Harlow. For more information on this visit the Essex Outdoors website here

Colchester Zoo: Colchester Zoo will be closed to visitors during lockdown. For more information on supporting the zoo and updates on the animals online, visit the Colchester Zoo website here

Recycling Centres: All Essex recycling centres remain open during lockdown, including at Park Drive, Maldon. You can find more information on opening hours and facilities available by visiting the Love Essex website here.

Essex Registration Services: Registrations of births and deaths that take place from public libraries and Blue Badge assessments are still taking place, but all wedding ceremonies and civil partnership ceremonies booked for the lockdown period are cancelled and need to be re-arranged.

Residents are advised to check where registrations are happening and for all other details using the Essex Registration Service website here.

Essex Libraries: Libraries in Maldon district and across the county will be closed to the public for book borrowing.

However, 16 libraries across Essex (details are to be announced) will continue to offer public computer use by appointment only. Where possible, the Home Library Service will continue. A new click and collect service will be put in place and more details will be shared shortly.

The e-library service is still fully accessible, but the mobile library service has been suspended during lockdown. You can find full details of all Essex library service available during lockdown by visiting the Essex Libraries website here.

Essex Record Office: This will be closed during lockdown, but the certificate service is still available online. You can find out more details by visiting the Essex Record Office website here

Maldon District Council: While the Princes Street offices remain closed to the public, the council will continue to deliver services during lockdown and support and more information is available through the Maldon District Council website here.

For residents and customers unable to access the website, customer services teams are available to take calls from 10am to 4pm each weekday on 01621 854477.

[.B]Shops:[.B] Only shops deemed as 'essential' can remain open to customers. This includes food shops, chemists, pet food shops, etc. However, click and collect is permitted at other shops as long as Covid safety is fully observed. Take-away services are available from many pubs, restaurants, cafes and coffee houses.

Maldon Nub News will provide a further update on other services and businesses still able to operate later today.

Health: All NHS services are continuing during this lockdown unless you are advised otherwise. For the Maldon district area, the Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has very detailed information online about all local health services, including GP services and hospitals during the current lockdown, on the CCG website here.

Maldon District Community Volunteer Service (CVS): The helpline service is currently available by calling 01621 851997 from 10am to 4pm on Mondays to Fridays. You can find more information on help and support if you need it by visiting the Maldon CVS website here.