Dinton Pastures implements booking rules
HURST: New measures have been implemented at a country park in Hurst to help reduce visitor numbers and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.
The measures at Dinton Pastures Country Park include a requirement for visitors to book a one-hour slot online to use the play area between 10am and 4pm on weekends and in the school holidays.
Other measures include an additional presence from Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) COVID support officers and more prominent signage.
The play area will now have capacity for 150 people during each one-hour slot – less than half the normal capacity.
Double bookings are not permitted and the council has asked for visitors to only book if they know they will attend to save disappointment for other families.
The overflow car park, which was closed on Saturday, January 23 will remain closed until the end of the lockdown at the earliest.
A formal Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) has been put in place, preventing visitors from parking in the
surrounding areas.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure says: “We are aware that local parks and play areas have been extremely busy in recent weeks, especially Dinton Pastures.
“This is of course a testament to how wonderful these outdoor spaces are; however, we do need to ensure that they remain safe places to visit.
“As such, we are investing in
the necessary actions to help reduce visitor numbers and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”
He added: “Outdoor exercise should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.
“Please only visit Dinton if you are a Wokingham Borough resident who lives nearby – ideally in Winnersh, Woodley or Hurst.”