Coronavirus: Sheffield's playgrounds to close from tomorrow as council warns it will close parks next if people fail to follow social distancing rules

Parks will remain open until further notice, but gates to all playgrounds in the city will be locked with notices in place from Tuesday, March 24.

The council is urging everyone to follow social distancing guidance or ‘parks will have to close completely’.

Cllr Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “Our parks and open spaces play a huge part in helping to promote and maintain residents’ physical and emotional wellbeing, especially during this difficult time.

“However we feel this is a necessary measure to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and to encourage more people to follow the government’s guidance on social distancing.

“It is important that everyone adheres to the social distancing rules so we can prevent further measures with more facilities such as parks having to close entirely.”