Car parks reopen in Northampton Borough Council parks

Car parks now open to the public, include Lingswood park, Hunsbury Hill park, Ladybridge park, Delapre park and Eagle Drive.

Toilets will remain closed until additional hygiene and social distancing arrangements have been put in place and visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Visitors are encouraged to keep dogs on leads to help observe social distancing rules and not to have barbecues, light fires, or dispose of cigarettes carelessly as there remains a strong risk to people, property and wildlife from fire.

Children’s playgrounds, visitor centres and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed for the time being, in line with the Government’s guidance.

Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet member for environment, said: "We continue to follow national guidelines on the use of parks and open spaces, therefore, we opened the car parks at council-owned parks.

 “Nevertheless, the safety of the public is and must be our absolute priority. We are currently undertaking further detailed risk assessments to understand how our sports facilities including tennis courts can safely be opened, in order to apply social distancing, manage risk and avoid further spread of the virus.

"So many people have sacrificed - and are still sacrificing - so much for the benefit of the rest of us, therefore I would urge everyone to remain sensible and keep the appropriate distance from others when they visit our parks.”