SOME play parks across Hereford will re-open today following months of being closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Herefordshire Council have started that they are starting a 'phased reopening' of their play areas from today (July 11)

The following council maintained play parks will reopen today in Hereford: Aylestone Park,

Beaumont Gardens, Gorsty Lane, King George V Field, and King George Playing Field, Luard Walk,

Moor Park, Wellington Place (Tupsley), Westfaling Street.

All remaining council play areas will be reopened by next Saturday (July 18).

A statement from Herefordshire Council said: "Working with Balfour Beatty Living Places we have inspected and risk assessed all council parks prior to the phased reopening.

"Measures to make the sites Covid-19 secure include distance markings, cleansing and signage to give advice about how to reduce the chance of coronavirus transmission."

The council states that 'many children' will use the playground equipment so when using the play areas please:

  • Bring hand sanitiser or wipes and help children to follow good hygiene measures
  • Clean equipment touchpoints before playing with anti-bacterial wipes
  • Wash or sanitise hands before and after using the equipment
  • Avoiding eating when using the play equipment
  • Keep two metres apart from other children and families (not in your bubble) where possible
  • Please take all litter home
  • Check locally for details about parks and playgrounds maintained by town and parish councils and housing associations.

In accordance with latest government guidance on staying away from others, please keep to the following when accessing the countryside or public open spaces.

You can meet in groups of:

  • Up to two households (your support bubble counts as one household), indoors or outdoors
  • Up to six people from different households, outdoors
  • You should ensure you are two metres (three steps apart) apart from anyone outside of your household or at least one metre with precautions such as wearing a face mask
  • You can travel any distance to get to the countryside but do not travel to different parts of the UK if the rules in that country do not allow you to

Follow the Countryside Code:

  • Take hand sanitiser with you in case there are no handwashing facilities
  • Ensure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you return home