Children will be welcomed back to Bath & North East Somerset Council's play areas on Saturday July 4 and parents are being advised about the COVID-19 measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Following the Government announcement that playgrounds are permitted to open, children will be welcomed back to the 56 council-owned play parks but the onus is on parents and carers to ensure rules are followed around social distancing, hand hygiene and not eating or drinking near play equipment.

The council will limit the number of people admitted to Bath's Royal Victoria Park play area, including the skate park, at any one time to ensure people's safety and protect public health. Stewards will help visitors use a separate entrance and exit.

Visitors to any of the parks should practise social distancing at all times and bring their own sanitiser to clean their hands frequently, as well as wash their hands regularly where facilities are available. People are advised to bring their own wipes to clean equipment after their child has used it if possible.

Eating and drinking within the play areas should be avoided and anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should return home immediately.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: "It's fantastic news for children and families to once again be able to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in our play parks, which is particularly important for people who don't have access to a garden. We recognise that it will be a challenge for young children to understand social distancing guidelines, but we must ask that parents supervise to ensure these are followed to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.

"At Royal Victoria Park we expect a large number of visitors, so we will have staff on hand to manage a safe amount of people in the park at any one time. However, we need your support with this by taking responsibility for your own family's safety and respecting the Government guidelines. If you arrive at a park and it's busy, please think twice, save lives and either wait patiently in a socially distanced way or head home and come back later."

The council previously closed its play parks at the end of March in line with Government guidance.

More information about the council's play areas can be found at the B&NES web site