Sunbathing is against rules, says No10
MINISTERS have urged councils not to shut parks, but warned the public they face fines if they use them to sunbathe.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick yesterday asked local authorities to lock parks as a last resort. A number have been closed following complaints people are not using them just to exercise.
Lambeth Council shut Brockwell Park in south-east London at the weekend after saying 3,000 people, many sunbathing or in large groups, had visited on Saturday.
The park reopened yesterday but councillors warned it would close again if it became too busy. Mr Jenrick said he had warned councils to be ‘very judicious’ in only closing parks if they cannot ensure social distancing can be maintained.
Mr Jenrick said he had ‘a lot of sympathy’ with those who argue that people without gardens will lose confidence in those in power if they cannot use parks.
There are fears that warmer weather could lead to people flouting rules. Sunny conditions are set to continue, with a peak of around 24C (75F) forecast for tomorrow and Thursday in the South.
Downing Street warned yesterday that sunbathing is banned, but it is up to police to use ‘discretion’ in enforcing rules. Officers can serve £30 on-the-spot fines.
The PM’s official spokesman said: ‘People shouldn’t be going to beaches or parks to sunbathe, it goes against our guidelines. We gave the police powers to implement those guidelines.’
The chairman of the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport board said parks are a ‘lifeline’ but some might continue to be closed.
Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: ‘This is a national emergency and the minority of people who do not adhere to the guidance need to change their behaviour to keep us all safe.’