Park playgrounds reopen with new safety measures

PLAYGROUNDS have reopened in Cheltenham to the delight of children. Gates were unlocked at playgrounds across the borough on Saturday to allow children back on to swings, roundabouts and climbing frames.

At Pittville Park’s play area, there was a steady stream of families enjoying the relaxation of some lockdown measures at the weekend.

Things were not completely back to normal as there were limits to the number of children who could go on certain equipment. Some pieces had been removed altogether and there are oneway markings in place.

The council has urged visitors to follow government guidelines and guidance posters at parks and play areas

The reopening of play areas came on the same day as pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers were all allowed to reopen - as long as strict safety measures were in place. At the four larger parks in Cheltenham - Hatherley, Montpellier, Pittville and Sandford Park - social distancing and queuing markers had been marked on the ground with arrows to guide visitors.

Pittville Park play area will be closed daily between 7am and 9am to facilitate maintenance activities.

Nationally, the Government and health chiefs have said the pandemic is not over and people need to act responsibly with the new freedoms.

Councillor Chris Coleman (LD, St Mark’s), member for clean and green environment said: “Parks and play areas offer enjoyment for everyone and we’re pleased to welcome people back. However, we need people to stay alert, maintain social distance, follow hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, bringing your own hand sanitiser or wipes and follow the guidance on the posters at the play and fitness equipment areas.

“With young children we know social distancing is challenging so some play equipment has been removed to encourage distance and markers will be in place to guide visitors, where required. We’d ask everyone to be patient and considerate of others while using the play areas.”

He added: Ubico teams have been regularly cleaning our parks and will now resume maintenance of play areas.

“Our parks have seen an increased volume of littering and together with the police and other key partners, the council now has an action plan to combat the increasing problems with littering, anti-social behaviour and drinking in our open spaces.”