TATTON Park bosses say they are sorry they can’t open the parkland at the moment, stressing that the coronavirus was easily transmitted and remained a serious threat.

A spokesman said the park had been closed to support the strategy to stop the spread of coronavirus, and the situation was being kept under review.

He said unlike the town parks and open spaces which remained open in Knutsford and across the area for exercise, as a destination attraction Tatton would have led to people travelling to Knutsford from a wide area.

He said: “As there are no public rights of way or permissive paths across the estate the safest approach for everyone was to close as the Government sought to restrict movements as a strategy for suppressing the pandemic.

“We have remained closed for the past few weeks in support of the strategy to stop the spread of coronavirus, as people were asked to stay home, avoiding unnecessary travel and work from home wherever possible.

“Covid-19 is easily transmitted and remains a serious threat. The recent change in government guidelines does not mean an end to restrictions, and any relaxation will need to be balanced against the risk to visitors from the wider area, local people and staff alike.

“At an appropriate time when that risk is judged to be low enough, the council will consider a phased approach to reopening.

“This will be regularly reviewed in response to conditions at the time. We are sorry that at the moment we can’t open the parkland right now.

“This will be kept under review, and we look forward to welcoming visitors again in the future.

The government has published new guidance for staying safe outside your home, which applies in England.

There are a number of things you can now do you could not do before, including spending time outdoors, such as sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking or sunbathing.

People can exercise outdoors as often as they wish, following social distancing guidelines, use outdoor sports courts or facilities such as a tennis or basketball court or golf course, with members of your household, or one other person while staying two metres apart, and visit a garden centre.

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In respect of meeting friends and family in the park you can meet one other person from outside your household if you are outdoors.

Public gatherings of more than two people from different households are banned. There are no limits on gatherings in the park with members of your household, and you can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance.