Park visitors must be responsible for sticking to coronavirus restrictions

At September’s monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Paul Berry asked council officers to clarify Council’s position in respect of Gosford Forest Park and the current restrictions

“Gosford is packed and it is great to see such a fantastic turnout,” said Cllr Berry. “Do we have any system in place whereby we can police the restrictions? What is our responsibility as a council and what are we doing to try and ensure we are meeting the regulations as things currently stand?”

Council’s strategic director Mark Parkinson said the size of the site makes it impossible to fully police and said people need to take responsibility for their own actions.

“In terms of the regulations, because it is such a big site, it is impossible for us to police it fully,” he said.

“However, we do have notices up and make people aware of the regulations in place but people need to take personal responsibility for their own actions as well.

“There have been instances where problems have arisen and staff have attempted to intervene and that has happened positively on a few occasions but people must take their own responsibility when using these facilities.”