'Steadily getting there' - People in Sheffield enjoying a little more freedom following Covid-19 'Rule of Six' and outdoors sports changes

Groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen after the stay-at-home order ended on Monday.

Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.

Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.

You no longer need an excuse to justify going out, and, after today, there is no specific limit on how far you can travel - but the Government is advising people to stay local and urging the public to use their common sense.

Plenty of people across the city have been heading to the top beauty spots to soak up the spring sunshine and meet with people outside their own household.

The top Sheffield beauty spots you can meet up with people outside as restrictions lift to allow groups of six to gather

We’ve spoken to people across the city, and this is what they’ve got planned as the restrictions are gradually lifted.

Beatrice Frith said: “I am hoping to see my family in north Wales, not seen them for one year.”

Phil Reed said: “As far as I am concerned, the lockdown has once again been eased too early. The “R” rate is back above 1. I will do the same as I have been doing going to work and stay at home.”

Andreea Rosescu said: “Just go with the flow; the old normal is gone..not coming back soon, so it's hard to plan for next months.”

Will Lowley said: “Steadily getting there; today is the first stage of the Roadmap if you like, can meet outdoors in groups of six and outdoor sporting activities can happen. I’m back at Athletics tomorrow on the track, and I cannot wait!.”

Caroline Worthy said: “Personally, looking forward to seeing family and friends and getting out in my camper van.

“For my business, I’m looking forward to the day I can have people back in my studio to sit and paint pottery, but the thing I have missed most from work in the last 12 months is capturing babies hand and footprints.”

One man at Bolehills Park in Sheffield said: “I’m on parental duties today, so I’m just enjoying a bit of time out in the sun, but I’m definitely looking forward to meeting with family and stuff.

“I’m mainly meeting family in the next few weeks in gardens, and then when we can, I’m looking forward to weekends away with my partner like when you can have domestic overnight stays again.

“Just things like that really, no thought of abroad holidays with everything going on.”

Mother and daughter Emily and Sue were out enjoying the sunshine in Bolehills Park.

Emily said: “I’m looking forward to seeing more friends and being able to go out to different places a bit more.”

Sue said: “I’m going to meet my sister tomorrow, which will be the first time in quite a while, so that’ll be nice.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.