Laura Sharman 23 March 2020

Councils across the UK close parks to limit spread of coronavirus

Councils have been forced to close parks and other public spaces in a bid to protect people from coronavirus.

Following concerns that people are failing to practice social distancing in open spaces, councils across the UK have made the decision to close their parks.

Essex County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council are among those that have taken this decision.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, explained: 'It's with regret that we've taken the tough decision to close our parks. I had wanted to support the health and wellbeing of our residents during these unprecedented times. But people's safety is my priority. Put simply, if there are too many people in the parks, it's impossible to keep to the government's social distancing advice.'

Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of H&F Council said: 'Our parks have been full of people this weekend with a significant proportion ignoring government guidelines on social distancing. This raises the serious likelihood of cross-infection. By closing our parks, we are putting the safety of all our residents first.'

Other councils across the UK said they are monitoring the situation and will take action if necessary.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Director of Transport

Lancashire Combined County Authority
£90,897 to £ 99,840
The Director of Transport will provide effective and visible corporate leadership. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire Combined County Authority

Assistant Director Strategy, Commissioning and Supply Management

East Sussex County Council
up to £113,000
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Associate Director – Workforce & Learning

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
£108,015 – £118,680 pa
Lead our workforce transformation. Empower our people. Shape our future. Dudley, West Midlands
Recuriter: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner