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Coronavirus lockdown: Countryside is no playground, say authorities

Car parks at Midlands beauty spots are being closed as councils and police force people to stop ignoring the coronavirus lockdown.

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Exercising at Walsall Arboretum. People are encouraged to get out, but only by walking from their home and not by driving to parks.

Members of the public have been meeting in various parks and public spaces, forcing authorities to tighten rules.

Since Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced new restrictions last week, people are now only allowed to leave their home to buy basics, exercise once a day, for medical needs or to travel to and from work if they cannot work from home.

Police officers have been out making sure drivers are following the new rules.

Now Cannock Chase Council has locked all car parks next to parks.

These include car parks at Cannock Park, Cannock Stadium, Hednesford Park, Heath Hayes Park, Elmore Park, Ravenhill Park (Armitage Road only), Hazelslade Nature Reserve and Castle Ring.

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Mike Edmonds, head of environment and healthy lifestyles, said: “During this difficult period the car parks will close to discourage car travel to the parks or visiting in groups. All our parks will continue to have pedestrian access to enable our residents to exercise in line with government guidelines.”

Staffordshire County Council has also closed all visitor centres, toilets, cafes, children’s play areas, barbecue facilities and car parks at country parks.

Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: "In line with Government guidance our country parks, green spaces and rights of way remain open to the public, but all facilities are closed.

"Under the current restrictions we would urge people not to travel by car to our country parks or gather in groups, the reality is that at the moment they are only for the use of local residents.

"Please stay at home and follow government advice to take your exercise locally. We must all work together to reduce the burden on the NHS and save lives.”

In Walsall, all outdoor gyms, tennis courts, multi use games areas, park buildings and car parks have been closed by the council.

Allotment gardens

But parks, countryside sites, and open spaces - including allotment gardens, remain open for people to exercise.

Wolverhampton Council has said they are not considering locking car parks yet.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: “Locking car parks near our public parks is not something we are considering at this stage.

“City parks remain open and we have restrictions in place to avoid use of our play areas and outdoor gym facilities.

“We also have signage displayed clearly around the site reminding visitors of the government guidance regarding social distancing. Officers are patrolling these areas to monitor activities and offer advice.

"The rising infection and death rates nationally and internationally show just how dangerous coronavirus can be and so it is vital that all of us follow the latest government guidance around social distancing, and that we keep up to date with these measures as they evolve over the coming days and weeks.

“We realise these are extremely difficult times for everyone but please try and do your bit by respecting the guidance.

“We will continue to monitor and review our restrictions in line with government advice to protect the people of Wolverhampton.”

Over in Dudley, the council had to close the gates on the grounds of Himley Hall last week to stop people gathering.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, warned that if people do not follow the rules, more parks and open spaces will be closed.

He said: "I had several reports that people were blatantly flouting the expert advice and gathering in large groups within Himley Park. We had tried to keep the grounds open so that people had somewhere to get fresh air and exercise, but I’m afraid we cannot allow people to put each other at risk by gathering in large numbers there.

"The advice from government has been very clear – stay at home to protect yourself and our NHS. If you have to go out, for essential things, then you must observe the recommended social distancing.

"The only way to reduce the spread of coronavirus is if we all reduce our contact with other people.

"If people follow these rules we will all be doing what we can to defend ourselves from this terrible outbreak. If people do not follow this expert advice, I will be forced to close more parks and open spaces.”