DESPITE the many disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Rotary Club of Astley having been working hard to bring some Christmas cheer to residents.

The club has been working out plans to safely bring Father Christmas and his sleigh round the Astley district again just before Christmas, whilst complying with all national and local safety regulations and guidelines.

The Float will still be touring the estates of the area, but will not be stopping, as no street collections are permitted. The Float will also be located outside local Co-op supermarkets at weekends, for youngsters to visit Santa. This will be under a carefully controlled environment, with Santa safely sat in the Float, fully enclosed behind a perspex screen, with marshals to ensure that children and parents adhere to social distancing and hygiene requirements, when queueing to view and talk to Santa.

Unlike previous years, no cash collections will be taken, but people will be able to make donations to the Rotary Club of Astley, either via text message or the Club's Just Giving page.

The provisional schedule is:

Saturday 12 December and Sunday 13 December, 10.00-16.00 hrs Static - Co-op Store – The Gables, Stour Road Astley

Monday 14 December Route 1, 18.00-20.00 hrs

Lark Hill, Larkmead, Larkfield Close, Astley Brook Close, Caldwell Avenue, Manchester Road, Lingards Drive, Green Avenue, Windmill Lane, Debdale Lane, Rufford Place, Manchester

Road, Crossgill, Hawkworth, Holbeck, Manchester Road, Coldalhurst Lane, Penketh Avenue, Garner Drive, The Straits, Moorgate Drive, Fieldhead Avenue.

Tuesday 15 December Route 2, 18.00-20.00 hrs

Duke Sreet, Brook Drive, Brook Meadow Close, Manor Road, Merton Grove, Dunmail Avenue, Buckley Grove, Higher Green Lane, Manchester Road, Astley Hall Drive,

Church Road, Coach Road, Avondale Drive, Westgate Drive, Oakdale Drive, Chelford Drive, Henfold Road, Withington Drive, Ellenor Drive, Tanhouse Avenue, Brindlehurst Drive.

Wednesday 16 December Route 3, 18.00-20.00 hrs

Stour Road, Dee Road, Avon Road, Humber Road, Whimbrel Road, Tintern Avenue, Abbey Road, Ely Drive, Winchester Avenue, Lichfield Avenue, Salisbury Way, Glastonbury Close,

Wainscot Close, Mosley Common Road, Garrett Hall Road, Kendal Road, Richmond Road, Grange Road, Malton Road, Lindale Road, Thornton Road, Dunster Road, Gilda Road, Glendale Road.

Saturday 19 December and Sunday 20 December, 10.00-16.00 hrs Static - Co-op Store – Cross Hillocks, Manchester Road Astley

Monday 21 December Route 4, 18.00-20.00 hrs

South Lane, St. Ambrose Road, High Street, Clegg Street, North Lane, Willow Avenue, Newlands Avenue, Sherwood Avenue, Cranworth Avenue, Beechwood Crescent, Windsor Avenue.

Parkfield Avenue, Norwood Avenue, Ley Crescent, Sunnybank Drive, Greenfield Road, Woodlands Road, Ullswater Road.

Tuesday 22 December Route 5, 18.00-20.00 hrs

Prince’s Avenue, Ley Road, Peace Street, Brown Street, Lord Street, Maden Street, Thorncroft Avenue, Birchwood Close, Cedarwood Close, Ashwood Close, Meanley Road, Astley Street,

Ennerdale Road, Derwent Sreet, Esthwaite Drive, Rydal Close, Wycombe Drive, Kirkfell Drive, Eggar Close, Ennerdale Road, Berryfold Way, Thirlmere Avenue, Chalfont Drive, Hollins

Close, Seathwaite Close, Loweswater Avenue, Troutbeck Drive.

Wednesday 23 December 19:30hrs Carol Service – Lancashire Mining Museum, Higher Green Lane, Astley Green.

Follow the tracker, at Santa.nemiah.uk to see Santa’s exact location when on his travels.

Details are also on the Rotary Club of Astley’s Facebook page and website, as well as some local social media sites.

Please note, that as the situation is changing all the time, the club will not be in a position to confirm final details until much nearer the time.