Coronavirus: Mixed reports on social-distancing in sunny Abington Park as parts of the park are locked down

People are still using Abington Park and keeping a safe distance from each other but there have been reports of large groups gathering during the coronavirus crisis.

Joggers, dog-walkers, police officers and people on a casual stroll were spotted in Northampton's biggest park enjoying the sunshine today (Wednesday, March 25).

All of the facilities in the park have been shut, including the aviary, the cafe and now the children's play area.

Cafe owner and borough councillor for Abington, Tony Ansell, said there had been a lot of people in the park at the weekend but visitors had kept a better distance since.

"Everyone seemed to be keeping their distance, I noticed a lot more people running around the park and others doing weights," he said.

"It's a great shame as everyone loves the parks but we have to listen to the Government advice."

Abington Park, and the rest of Northampton Borough Council's parks, remain open while Northamptonshire County Council and Daventry District Council have shut theirs.

There have been mixed reviews of how crowded-together or socially-distant visitors have been, with some saying everyone is being sensible while others have seen large groups still.

One woman wrote on Facebook that Abington Park was 'packed' and others commented that people are still using the play areas.

Zara Sey posted: "It's a shame I saw people playing on the park equipment still and when walking, people weren't keeping two metres apart."

The Park Cafe shut on Monday with a heavy heart for Tony and his team.

The Abington councillor said Easter is usually their busiest time so it would be a blow to be shut but accepted it was the right thing to do.

""While it's sad to see everything shut at this time of year with the sun out, it's what we have to do," he said.