Title

LEISURE

Councils across the UK close parks to limit spread of coronavirus

Councils have been forced to close parks and other public spaces in a bid to protect people from coronavirus.

Councils have been forced to close parks and other public spaces in a bid to protect people from coronavirus.

Following concerns that people are failing to practise social distancing in open spaces, councils across the UK have made the decision to close their parks.

Essex, Carmarthenshire and Leicestershire CCs, and Hammersmith & Fulham LBC are among those that have taken this decision.

Leicestershire leader Nick Rushton said: 'I had wanted to support the health and wellbeing of our residents during these unprecedented times, but people's safety is my priority.

'Put simply, if there are too many people in the parks, it's impossible to keep to the Government's social distancing advice.'

Hammersmith & Fulham leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan, added: 'Our parks have been full of people this weekend with a significant proportion ignoring government guidelines on social distancing.

'This raises the serious likelihood of cross-infection.

'By closing our parks we are putting the safety of all our residents first.'

Other councils across the UK said they were monitoring the situation and would take action if necessary.

LEISURE

Making sure World Cup events aren't an own goal for councils

By David Mayor | 22 June 2026

As the World Cup kicks off, councils must ensure that fan zones and summer events do not expose them to unnecessary liabilities, says David Mayor.

LEISURE

Moving on up with Manchesterism

By Ben Lucas | 22 June 2026

Ben Lucas explains how the Manchester economic growth model works and says it is here to stay after Burnham's departure as Mayor.

LEISURE

Leading through political change in local government

By Alison Whiteley | 22 June 2026

Following significant electoral change across London boroughs, local government leaders are adapting to new political realities while maintaining partnership...

LEISURE

Will Makerfield change Westminster?

By Donna Hall | 19 June 2026

Donna Hall asks if Andy Burnham can reconnect power with people.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman