Shrewsbury Town Council has issued warnings to users of its parks, play areas and open spaces about the need to follow national guidelines in light of increasing levels of Coronavirus in the county.
The Town Council has faced increasing calls to close its play areas during lockdown measures, after numerous complaints were received about parents and children using the sites in large numbers and failing to follow the current government guidelines of keeping safe distances, using masks and sanitising hands frequently.
Other park users have become fearful of the risks to their own health from transmission of the virus.
Of the Town Council’s 50 play areas in Shrewsbury, the Quarry is the most heavily used.
The Government issued new guidelines to owners and operators of outdoor play grounds following the recent decision to enter a third national lockdown. Playgrounds were to remain open in the current measures to restrict the spread of COVID on the condition that users continue to abide by the general social distancing measures. The Town Council has been following these guidelines.
During the first week of lockdown, the Quarry footfall has risen significantly as large numbers are using the facility for their daily form of exercise. But it is clear that this is becoming as much a place for socialisation as it is for exercise.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned about the volume of use in the Quarry and particularly the play area where parents are not observing the ‘Hands-Face-Space’ measures in place to restrict the spread of the virus. We would stress to parents that they must take the use of these facilities extremely seriously so that they do not put themselves and their families, as well as others, at risk.
“We recognise the huge mental and physical benefits of keeping play areas open to children, particularly at a time when their schools are closed and they are stuck at home, but when the potential risk of transmission begins to outweigh those benefits, we have to seriously consider the wider issues.
“The last thing we want to do is close these facilities, but if parents do not begin to act more sensibly we will be left with no option.
“We operate over 50 play areas and dozens of open spaces across the town and we would urge people to use some of the less popular sites when places like the Quarry are exceptionally busy.”
In deciding to keep play areas open the Town Council has sought the advice of the Association of Play Industries, Public Health Shropshire and West Mercia Police who all agree with the approach taken.
In supporting the Town Council’s decision, Inspector Saf Ali of West Mercia Police, said: “Our local Safe Neighbourhood Team have worked closely with the Town Council to ensure that people remain safe and our staff have continued to patrol high footfall areas, following a process of educate, encourage and enforce.
“If any facilities are to close as a result of inappropriate usage, we will provide enforcement support where necessary.”
Details of all of the Town Council’s parks, open space and play areas can be found on www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk
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