Maldon District Council will close the play areas in Promenade Park from Friday, 15 January in a bid to help reduce the transmission of Covid-19.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: We have seen an increase in the numbers of people visiting the park and not following social distancing rules, and evidence of visitors travelling from outside of the district to the Promenade Park which is against the current guidance.

"We would remind anyone who is thinking of driving to the Promenade Park not to do so at the moment and to stay local to take their exercise in line with the current rules."

There will also be other measures put in place at the Prom by the council, including:

•increased signage throughout the Park to remind everyone of the rules

• a requirement for kiosk holders to manage their takeaway customers and minimise the risk of transmission of the virus when people are queuing
• a requirement for people not to congregate, mix with other households and to maintain 2metres social distance at all times

•support for Essex Police with more frequent patrols in the park. Where Essex Police officers see clear and blatant breaches of the regulations, they will take action.

The play sites at the prom will be closed until further notice, but play sites elsewhere in the district are not currently affected. Toilets, BMX area and the skate park will remain open at the current time – as will the Prom car parks.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; "I believe we have taken some sensible measures to try and reduce the numbers visiting Promenade Park.

"The decision not to close the car park at this current time will ensure that the surrounding roads do not suffer the inconvenience this would inevitably cause.

"I do not want visitors traveling into our district as they are putting the lives of our community at risk and we make no apology for protecting the health of our residents and helping the NHS to save lives.

"I would urge anyone who thinks that it is acceptable to drive out of their local area for their exercise, to think again, Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives".

Details of other parks and open spaces in the district can be found by visiting the Maldon District Council website via the link here.