THOUSANDS SAY PARK SHOULD CLOSE

MORE than 2,000 people in Coventry are backing calls for Coombe Country Park to be closed during the Covid-19 crisis.

It comes after reports over the weekend that lots of people were visiting the area during a sunny day on Saturday.

In a poll on the Coventrylive Facebook page, more than 2,300 said Coombe should be closed, while just over 200 disagreed, saying it should remain open.

Coventry City Council defended the decision to keep the park open by saying it offered an open space for those who don’t have those facilities within walking distance of their house.

This is in line with government advice.

The city council has also received “little or no reports” of social distancing in the parks not being adhered to.

Warwickshire Police said officers patrolled the park over the weekend to monitor the situation and advise on social distancing.

But many people felt that more should be done.

Writing on our Facebook poll, reader Debbie

Atkins said: “What the hell is wrong with people. The quicker people start listening the quicker this nightmare is over.”

Carolyn Wilkins added: “Other parks are closing to help with the spread, why should Coombe be any different?”

Some felt that closing the would help people stick to the rules.

Emma Hanson said the park should be closed “because people can’t behave themselves”.

Joanne Prichett added: “Absolutely it should be closed.

“All the sensible people are following the rules and staying at home. Everyone should be.”

And Christina Chrissy Ward said: “No attraction or park should be open at this time.

“It’s encouraging people to go out, thinking it’s fine to visit.”

Some were critical of people who chose to go to the park.

Sar Watage said: “What part of ‘stay at home’ are people not getting? People are dying and people want to wander round a park!”

And Angela Fyffe added: “These people are selfish and uneducated.

Or maybe both.”

But others felt that the park should stay open, just with social distancing rules enforced more firmly.

Kevin Taylor said: “Just ensure distancing measures and only so many cars allowed at peak times to enforce that.”