Playgrounds across Kirklees set to reopen in 'measured approach'

Playgrounds across Kirklees WILL re-open on July 4, the council has confirmed.
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Playground

It follows last week’s announcement by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The council has more than 300 play areas across the borough. They have all been closed during the nationwide lockdown as per Government advice.

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However alongside pubs, restaurants and hairdressers in England they will be allowed to re-open as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

However users must stick to Covid guidelines and the ‘one metre plus’ proximity rule.

The easing also applies to museums, galleries, theme parks, outdoor gyms and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.

Playgrounds and outdoor gyms have been closed since March under guidance from SAGE, the Government’s scientific advisory group, because they are higher risk places for people to pass on the virus.

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Councillor Rob Walker, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said the council was taking “a measured approach” to re-opening facilities, in order to make sure it is done at the safest and most appropriate time.

He added: “We have to put safety first.

“In line with Government advice, we are now working towards re-opening equipped play areas on July 4.

“In the meantime our parks and open spaces are open for everyone to enjoy.”

The Government has said that “close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will need to remain closed for now to reduce the risk of transmission.

The Government is continuing to work with those sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become “Covid Secure” and thus re-open as soon as possible.