The Government’s scientific and medical advisors have stressed the crucial importance of keeping a two metre gap between people in order to prevent any further spread of Coronavirus.

Many people are ignoring this advice and putting themselves and their family and friends at greater risk of contracting the disease.

Parks are safe places and play an important role in keeping people physically and mentally well – now so more than ever.

There are therefore no current plans to close the borough’s parks and commons and they remain open for residents to take exercise and walk through,

People should not however congregate in groups and they must observe the Government guidance on social distancing.

Anyone with symptoms of Covid 19 should not enter parks and any resident that is self-isolating should also not visit.

Environment spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “We want to keep our parks open because we value the health and mental well-being benefits they offer to our residents in these challenging times but we can only do so if people behave responsibly and pay careful heed to the medical and scientific advice on social distancing.

“This is a critical national emergency and we remain concerned that we are receiving far too many reports of people still gathering in groups which could lead to serious health consequences.

“Sadly if people do not moderate their behaviour and follow the clear medical advice on keeping safe distances from each other we will be left with no alternative but to consider further action.

“Please help us keep you, your family, friends and others in our community safe and well.”