Gates set to reopen at Pontefract Castle, libraries and museums

Pontefract Castle, libraries and Wakefield Council run museums will begin to reopen from this weekend.
Pontefract CastlePontefract Castle
Pontefract Castle

Libraries in Horbury, Hemsworth and Normanton will be the first to reopen this Saturday – July 11.

Pontefract and Airedale libraries on July 13, and Sandal, South Elmsall, Featherstone, Stanley and Castleford on July 20.

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The restart of the mobile library service and reopening of Ossett Library are being planned for early August.

The public can return to Pontefract Castle and its children’s playground from July 13 and its visitor centre on July 21. The café is scheduled to re-open July 28 and gift shop in August.

Pontefract Museum will welcome back visitors on July 20, Wakefield Museum on July 27 and Castleford Museum on August 3.

The date for the reopening of Wakefield Library will be announced at the same time as customer services, licensing, and revenue and benefits when the building re-opens to the public.

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Coun Jacquie Speight, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: “I am so pleased that we are finally able to throw open our doors to all our cultural sites once again.

“Things will be different to how they were before Covid-19 but these are all to ensure that everyone can enjoy our rich culture and heritage safely and securely. Welcome back!”

There will be changes to the way that the libraries, museums and tourist attractions run for safety reasons.

The main change will mean reduced numbers being allowed on premises at any one time. Some of the activities that are usually held in libraries have also been temporarily suspended.

Further details are available on the council’s website.