Car parks at Northampton Borough Council owned green spaces reopen in line with Government advice

As lockdown restrictions lift slightly, car parks at green spaces across Northampton have reopened.

Northampton Borough Council has today (May 13) confirmed that car parks, at borough council run parks, that had to close a number of weeks ago are now open to the public.

The car parks at Lingswood park, Hunsbury Hill park, Ladybridge park, Delapre park and Eagle Drive are back in use as people have been told they can now drive as far as they like to exercise.

However, in line with Government advice toilets will remain closed and social distancing arrangements have been put in place.

Councillor Mike Hallam, Cabinet member for environment, said: "We continue to follow national guidelines on the use of parks and open spaces, therefore, we opened the car parks at council-owned parks.

“Nevertheless, the safety of the public is and must be our absolute priority. We are currently undertaking further detailed risk assessments to understand how our sports facilities including tennis courts can safely be opened, in order to apply social distancing, manage risk and avoid further spread of the virus.

"So many people have sacrificed - and are still sacrificing - so much for the benefit of the rest of us, therefore I would urge everyone to remain sensible and keep the appropriate distance from others when they visit our parks.”

Visitors are encouraged to keep dogs on leads to help observe social distancing rules and not to have barbecues, light fires, or dispose of cigarettes carelessly as there remains a strong risk to people, property and wildlife from fire.

Visitor centres and outdoor gym equipment will also remain closed for the time being, in line with Government’s guidance.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you