Warning after Hartlepool lockdown breachers remove cordons to use children's play areas

Hartlepool Borough Council officials are urging residents to respect restrictions in place and to observe rules on public gatherings and social distancing.

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This follows reports from several parts of the town – including Seaton Carew, Rossmere Park and Oxford Road – of increasing numbers of people using children’s play areas which are currently closed until further notice.

In some cases, tape cordons have been removed to gain access.

The calls come as Hartlepool is also expected to experience warmer weather later this week, including highs of 21°C on Wednesday, May 20.

Council chiefs added there have already been issues with increasing numbers of young people gathering together in some areas, while antisocial behaviour continues to be a problem at Summerhill Country Park.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said parents should know where their children are at all times and help ensure correct measures are followed.

He said: “The vast majority of people have been very supportive of the measures introduced to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and we are very grateful for that.

“However, some people are ignoring restrictions and that is a concern.

“Statistics currently show that the virus still poses a very real threat in Hartlepool, so our message to local people is simple – why take the risk?

“It is vital that we all do whatever we can to stay safe.

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“We would urge people to respect the closure of children’s play areas and where they do venture outdoors to follow the rules on public gatherings and social distancing at all times.”

Following the Government’s decision to ease lockdown restrictions, residents are being asked to follow a number of guidelines when visiting parks and open spaces going forward.

Earlier this week the council re-opened tennis courts, multi-use games areas and basketball hoops/courts in several areas and calls have been made for the facilities to be used responsibly.

People are reminded that they can use these facilities with other members of their household and they can also meet up with one other person from outside their household, but they must stay two metres apart.

They should also clean their hands with sanitiser gel before and after using the facilities, and keep their hands clean in general.

Residents are also being urged to use all parts of a park/open space to maintain a safe distance when visiting, not enter an area if they are unable to stay 2 metres apart from others, and to keep dogs on leads.

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