Childrens play areas and skate parks in Preston and South Ribble remain closed as measures to begin easing lockdown restrictions come into place.

From Wednesday (May 13) residents are allowed to meet one person from outside their household in a park or public space.

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Tennis courts and multi sports areas are set to reopen in Preston, while those in South Ribble remain closed.

People meeting up in parks are being urged to adhere to the 2m social distancing guidance and meet with one person only, as the fight against coronavirus continues.

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Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “Further to the recent change in Government guidance tennis courts and multi-use games areas in our parks will re-open from Wednesday 13 May.

“We will also be amending some signage to reiterate the need to stay 2 metres apart and observe social distancing while visiting our parks and open spaces in Preston.

“Also as per the new guidance, all play areas and the skatepark at Moor Park will remain closed as these areas have hard surfaces that are touched when using and bring people into close contact with each other.

“Our priority will always be to protect the health and wellbeing of Preston residents and I would ask everyone to adhere to guidelines to protect themselves, others and the NHS.”

Read more: Group of 19 men spoken to by police after playing cricket in Moor Park

Councillor Sue Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We continue to follow all the latest guidance being issued by the government – therefore all playgrounds and play areas in South Ribble remain closed.

“The government guidance also applies to other facilities such as skate parks and multi-use games areas – which is why these will remain closed too.

“The parks, of course, remain open but social distancing must be observed at all times and if you are meeting an individual outside of your household, you can only meet them alone, one on one, and you should stay two metres apart.  

“We are not yet at a point where groups of people should be meeting, so please keep to the rules and meet just one person at a time, if they are outside your household. 

“In South Ribble, we have noticed a significant drop-off in parks’ usage so we would like to thank all our residents for doing the right thing and staying home as much as possible.

“I have absolute faith that everyone in South Ribble understands the situation we are in and will continue the social distancing measures, which are so crucial when visiting any public spaces, including parks.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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