CORONAVIRUS: Parks in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon to reopen but sunbathing, sitting on public benches and BBQs banned

The parks had been closed since lockdown and many in the Upper Bann area had voiced concern that they were not available to the public.

In a statement this afternoon, the council announced that all parks will be open from tomorrow (Wednesday April 22) and with normal opening hours.

It said; “This decision has been kept under continual review in line with other councils and governmental direction, acknowledging an increased public awareness and adherence of Public Health Authority guidelines in recent weeks, and the longer-term health and wellbeing impact attributed to the extended period of lockdown.

“Access will be permitted with strict social distancing measures and guidance in place, to enable all users to stay safe whilst exercising. This decision to reopen the parks will be continually monitored in line with social responsibility adherence, in conjunction with the PSNI.

“As the Parks are for pedestrian access only, entrance can be gained through specific gates, and all adjoining car parks will remain closed. Under current national lockdown restrictions, it is important to note that, only local people walking or cycling to and from the parks should be using these areas for exercise.

“To ensure the safety of all users the following activities will not be permitted; social gatherings, sunbathing, sitting on public benches, BBQ’s, picnics, or group games.

“All play parks, caravan sites, outdoor gym equipment, golf courses, pitches and public toilets will remain closed. At this time, the council would like to remind residents that the Dog Control Orders will still be enforced, and owners are asked to please keep dogs on leads whilst in the parks.

To ensure the safety of council employees, users are asked not to directly approach council staff on- site at this time.”

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 whenever you are able to do so.

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 when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you