Four parks in central Bath have reopened today (April 23) in response to the Government direction that public parks should be open for people to enjoy fresh air and green space.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has opened the Botanical Gardens, Royal Victoria Park, Queen Square and the Parade Gardens in Bath for residents to use within social distancing guidelines.

The council closed all its play areas and parks where practical to restrict access on 23 March as a preventative measure against the spread of Coronavirus.

A one-way system is in operation at Parade Gardens so that people can enter and leave the park with plenty of space to keep their distance from others. Ramp access for disabled visitors will need to be used both ways and there is signage at the entrance to the park to explain the new system.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: "The handling of the Coronavirus pandemic is changing all the time and I welcome the Government's instruction to reopen public parks where we can. It's important for people's physical and mental wellbeing to get fresh air and exercise every day, especially for residents who don't have access to a garden.

"If you're enjoying one of our parks for daily exercise, please remember to follow the social distancing guidelines to protect yourself and others and remember to wash your hands when you return home. Thank you for your patience and cooperation and we will do our best to open further areas as soon as we are able."

For updates on all council services go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus