Pendle News Room

Tennis courts will be open at Heyhead Park in Brierfield, Marsden Park in Nelson, Sough Park and Alkincoats Park in Colne which is managed by Colne Town Council.

Marsden Park Golf Club is also open to golfers.

Residents can now visit parks to spend time outdoors, for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking or sunbathing.

And people can visit www.pendle.gov.uk/parks to find out more about Pendle’s 11 parks.

But Pendle Council is reminding residents that playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and MUGAs will remain closed for now to continue to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, explained: “You can now use our parks as much as you wish as long as you follow social distancing rules.

“Exercise or recreation can be alone or with members of your household.
 
“And you can now meet one other person from outside your household as long as you keep two metres apart at all times.

“We know it’s difficult for our younger residents but we do need to keep our playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) closed for now to reduce the risk of the virus spreading via the equipment.”

As before, you cannot:
•             visit friends and family in their homes
•             exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
•             use an outdoor gym or playground
•             visit a private or ticketed attraction
•             gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household), except for a few specific exceptions set out in law (for work, funerals, house moves,
               supporting the vulnerable, in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations)

Councillor Iqbal added: “To ensure people are social distancing, the Government has prohibited by law all public gatherings of more than two people.

“It’s important that everyone continues to act responsibly in public places because the infection rate will increase if people begin to break the rules.

“Please don’t gather in large groups to celebrate Eid or for any other reason – let’s continue to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe!

“I’d like to thank everyone who is sticking to the rules and to remind those who may not have, to follow them to ensure everyone’s safety, including their own,” he said.

The Government has introduced higher fines for those who do not comply, to reflect the increased risk to others.

If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.

For more information visit Pendle Council’s website – www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus

From the Government’s Cabinet Office web page:

The government has introduced higher fines for those who do not comply, to reflect the increased risk to others of breaking the rules as we begin to ease the restrictions, and people return to work.

If the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you with a fixed penalty notice for £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £200 and double on each further repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3200.