LIBRARIES and leisure centres in West Berkshire remain open amid the coronavirus outbreak, for the moment.

Public meetings at West Berkshire Council will also go ahead, despite a scrutiny committee this evening (March 17) being cancelled.

The decision to stay open contrasts that of Reading Borough Council, who today shut all libraries, leisure centres, museums and council offices.

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All public non-essential council meetings in Reading have also been cancelled.

Yesterday, the prime minister introduced ‘social distancing’ measures and advised strongly against all non-essential travel and social gatherings.

In West Berkshire, a decision is ‘being looked into’ as to whether to close leisure facilities and public meetings, according to a council spokesman.

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The spokesman said: “At this moment in time, there hasn’t been a decision on the future public meetings, but it’s being looked into.

“Decisions will be communicated out soon, should there be any cancellations.

“In regards to building closures — at this moment in time, there hasn’t been a decision to close council buildings, but we are monitoring the situation closely and again will communicate this out.”