CHILDREN'S play parks in the borough could close if people do not use them safely, the council has warned.

The warning comes after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council decided to close skateparks from today, after monitoring them with CSPOs and police.

It said its 200 play areas are still open in line with government guidance but added: “We’re monitoring them and will take further action if required.”

The council’s executive director of residents' services, Rebecca Emmett said: “We have signage in place telling people to observe social distancing guidance while using them [play areas].

“We are continuing to monitor the play area sites and will take further action if required.”

When national lockdown restrictions were announced on January 4, the government said playgrounds could remain open.

Guidance from the government advises operators and owners of playgrounds to carry out a risk assessment.

It states: “Owners and operators also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.”

It advises playground owners to consider how to put in place measures to support social distancing, such as signs.

Other measures it suggests implementing include identifying an advisory limit on the maximum number of users able to use a playground at one time; implement a booking system; limit the number of users for each piece of equipment; request for only one family member to accompany a child; and limit the available number of seats on equipment to promote social distancing.