No full reopening date for Corby Cube after 15 month closure

There is still no date for the full reopening of the Corby Cube, 15 months after it closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The building has been open on an appointment basis for some time and many services have been moved online.

The Core Theatre reopened earlier this month to audiences of restricted sizes and some North Northamptonshire Council meetings are due to take place in the building in the coming weeks.

But there is still no planned date for the full public reopening of the One Stop Shop, the register office or the town's library, which are located inside the Cube. Many of the town's residents prefer to visit customer service representatives in person and have struggled with the move to making online payments.

Others have found phonelines to be busy when they have tried to get through.

One woman in her 80s who spoke to our reporter said: "I tried to get through 30 times on Friday about my housing. I prefer to speak to someone in person really. My hearing is not great and I know the people in there who I normally speak to.

"If the theatre is open then why can't they open the other parts? With masks and social distancing it should be safe now."

A North Northamptonshire Council spokesman said: “Public access to the Corby Cube is currently controlled through an appointment only system.

“Appointments can be made either via the council’s website, by email at [email protected] or if urgent by calling 0300 126 3000, though phone lines can be busy at times.

“From June 21, Corby Library will extend its hours for Appointments to Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

“Appointments can be made to browse, use a computer or request or renew a Bus Pass. The Library will continue to provide its Select and Collect Service and also has spaces on its Libraries To You delivery service.

“Appointments or requests for any of Library services can be made by messaging on Facebook, emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 126 3000, Option 5 then Option 3.

“Customers will be greeted outside the building at the appointment time. Social distancing rules are still in operation and people will need to wear a face covering when entering the building (unless exempt). Test and Trace information will be collected on entry.”