RESIDENTS in Basingstoke are being urged to use their "nearest facilities" when out for their daily exercise.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council say that the area is "fortunate" to have many open spaces for residents to exercise in, and are encouraging people to stay in the area of the borough they live.

Hampshire Police are also encouraging people to stay in their "local area" for exercise.

Since the national lockdown came into force two weeks ago, there has been confusion as to what the government's advice of 'stay local' means.

This was especially the case after Derbyshire Police fined two residents who had both driven separately to a local beauty spot for a walk, saying that the cups of coffee they brought constituted a picnic. The fines were later rescinded.

The Gazette has asked both Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire Constabulary for their advice on how the borough's residents can exercise safely and within the guidance.

Both authorities agree that 'stay local' means "stay in the village, town or part of the city where you live".

This means, for example, residents in Basingstoke may not be able to drive to rural parts of the borough to get some fresh air and exercise.

But, BDBC leader Cllr Ken Rhatigan says that "getting outside to take daily exercise is really important for everyone's health and wellbeing", but added: "It is also vital that people follow the government guidelines, staying home as much as possible and reducing contact with others to stop the spread of this deadly virus."

He encouraged people to make use of the open space closest to where they live, telling The Gazette: "The government guidelines say that during the lockdown you should stay local while exercising, which they define as staying in the village, town or area where you live, and avoid non-essential journeys.

"We are fortunate to have a number of parks and open spaces throughout the borough and would encourage residents to take advantage of their nearest facilities for their daily exercise.

"Please avoid busy times, where possible, and keep to social distancing guidance and be considerate to others, for example moving to one side with other members of your household or support bubble to let others pass safely keeping their distance.

"Residents can find their local park or open space by visiting our website.”

But Hampshire Constabulary's Superintendent Phil Lamb admitted that the regulations allowing them to issue fines for people not abiding by regulations does not have a distance restriction for exercise.

He said: "The guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the Covid Regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue FPNs for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.

“Police officers will be inquisitive about why people are out of their homes and will continue to engage with the public, explain the regulations, and encourage people to comply.

"Where people are breaching the regulations and are away from home without a reasonable excuse, officers may take enforcement action and issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). In situations where people are breaching the guidance not to travel out of their local area, but are not breaching regulations, officers will encourage people to follow the guidance.

“We all have a responsibility to follow both the regulations and the guidance in place to protect the NHS and save lives. As throughout the pandemic, we’ll engage proportionately, fairly, and using the well-established 4Es approach.

"We are confident that the majority of people will act responsibly, respecting the rules and guidance, and playing their part to keep communities safe.

"Those who do not follow the regulations in place to limit the spread of the virus should expect to receive a fine.”

The government guidance says that people "should minimise time spent outside your home, but can leave your home to exercise".

"This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area," it continues.

It advises you exercise either by yourself, with people you live with, with your support or childcare bubble if you are allowed one, or with one person from another household if you are on your own.

Exercise is one of a limited number of reasons you are allowed to leave your home during the lockdown.

Others include: shopping for essentials; going to work if you can't do so from home; meeting your support or childcare bubble, if you are allowed one; seeking medical assistance or avoiding injury, illness or risk of harm; and attending education for those eligible to do so (for example, children of key workers or those who have education health and care plans).