Parks offer alternative exercise locations

Published Tuesday, 12th January 2021

Residents of Hartlepool are being urged to consider how they can best avoid coming into contact with too many people whilst exercising.

Whilst outdoor exercise within a person’s local area is allowed under lockdown rules, the large numbers of people walking, running and cycling along the promenade at Seaton Carew – particularly at a weekend - is causing concern.

Hartlepool Borough Council is keen to promote the town’s parks which remain open, as alternative exercise locations.

It wants people to make the most of the parks and the facilities within them, including children’s play areas – whilst ensuring they always use them responsibly.

The Council is also inviting people to provide feedback, make suggestions and report any problems they discover when using parks by completing an online form at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/parksreport

Sarah Scarr, the Council’s Heritage and Countryside Manager, said: “The town’s parks are a fantastic resource and have an important role to play in helping people to stay fit and healthy during the pandemic.

“However, it is vital that wherever people exercise they follow the rules which state that you may exercise on your own, with your household or support bubble or with one person from another household (when on your own). You should always stay at least two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

“We would also ask people to follow safety advice and guidance posted on signs at park play areas. They should not enter a play area if they are unable to stay two metres apart from others and they should use all parts of a park or open space to ensure that a safe distance can be maintained from others.”

The Council is also urging people to continue taking a range of basic safety precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool’s Director of Public Health, said: “In particular, please remember hands, face and space, as even small steps save lives. It is vitally important that we all take these basic safety precautions but we need to do it as a collective measure – it is not a case of one or the other.”

Residents are also being asked to dispose of litter and bagged dog waste at home. Whilst the Council is continuing to empty bins, it is asking for the public’s support to help ease the pressure on Council resources as a result of Coronavirus.

Director of Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Tony Hanson said: “During previous lockdowns, there was a noticeable increase in bagged waste deposited on top of dog foul bins and on the ground around them. This may have been because people were reluctant to touch the metal lids for fear of infection. Often, when one person does this others follow suit, leaving an unsightly mess whilst the bin itself remains empty.

“We would urge members of the public to dispose of their waste at home, and we would be very grateful for any support they are able to offer us in this way.”