Play areas in Northampton to reopen on Saturday with advice issued on how to use safely

Play areas in Northampton will be reopening on Saturday (July 4) but parents and children are being warned to make sure they are used responsibly.

Playgrounds across the country have been shut since March because of the coronavirus pandemic but are among the places allowed to reopen this month.

Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for environment Mike Hallam said: “We have carried out safety checks on all of our equipment along with a risk assessment for each play area ahead of reopening on Saturday, July 4.

“We’ve also produced some signage that we’ll be installing at each play area encouraging users to do so in a safe way as we will be unable to carry out regular cleaning of this equipment, or to enforce based on the guidance we have provided.

“People have been enjoying our parks in huge numbers and we would encourage everyone to help us keep them safe and clean for all users by taking their rubbish home with them.”

The play area at Daventry Country Park will also be reopening on Saturday while play areas in Daventry and South Northamptonshire districts will be up to the relevant parish councils.

A Daventry District Council spokesman said: "The play area at Daventry Country Park will reopen this Saturday in line with the latest Government guidelines.

"This is welcome news as we begin the process of returning to normality, but we are asking everyone to follow some important rules in order to help keep everyone safe."

However country park playgrounds run by Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) will remain closed until all risk assessments have been completed.

An NCC spokesman said: “Central government guidance has advised that play areas can open from July 4, provided that a risk assessment has been carried out and it is deemed safe by the operator.

“We are currently in the process of working on risk assessments for NCC country park play areas, after which we will have a better idea of when it will be safe to re-open them.

"Our website will be regularly updated to keep our residents informed.”

Guidance for parents on how to use play areas safely, from Daventry District Council

- Only one child (or children from one household) is allowed on any piece of equipment at any one time, with the exception of the large play fort, which is limited to a maximum four children at any one time.

- Parents must ensure their children maintain a distance of 2 metres from others while using the equipment

- Hand sanitiser should be applied before and after using the equipment. Where appropriate please wipe equipment after use and make sure you wash your hands as soon as you are able to after visiting.

- If the play area looks too busy please go for a walk and come back when there are fewer people.