Council warns residents to ‘stay alert and stay safe’ in Sheffield’s parks

After the Government’s announcement earlier this week everyone can now spend more time outdoors, but Town Hall bosses say people should still follow social distancing guidelines when doing so.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “I know that daily exercise in our many beautiful local parks has been a saving grace for so many people in Sheffield, including me.

“We are extremely lucky that wherever you live in the city you can access green open space very easily and we knew how important that is at this very difficult time.

“With the Government’s new guidance that people can spend more time in parks and meet, with social distance, with one person from another household I must ask everyone to stay alert and stay safe. Please do not get complacent. We have to adhere to social distancing and if the place you visit is very busy, consider trying somewhere else.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been following social distancing guidelines, I know it’s very hard not to have close contact with friends and loved ones but it is essential and it is for everyone’s benefit.

“It looks like we have more fair weather on the way, so get out there, have fun, keep fit, but stay safe.”

Sheffield Council kept parks open throughout the lockdown to allow people to take daily exercise, but closed facilities such as playgrounds, toilets and games areas, and these remain closed.

The Government’s current guidance states that people can now spend time outdoors with one other person from a different household as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.

It remains against the law for three or more people to gather in a public place unless they are from the same household.

South Yorkshire Police will continue patrols across the city this weekend and have the power to both disperse gatherings and issue fines.