Further to the letter last week from Simon Causer in regards to Watford Borough Council to reconsider opening outdoor gym areas, and highlighting that his reading of the Government guidance that it does not dictate that outdoor gyms should be closed.

At the commencement of Lockdown 3 on January 4 the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown for all of England. Under national lockdown outdoor public playgrounds can remain open, but outdoor gyms must close.

Watford Borough Council as such are following the clear government rules on this, and the risks identified of potential Covid-19 transmission, by closing the outdoor gyms.

Read more: Reconsider decision to close Cassiobury Park outdoor gym

As highlighted in the Prime Minister’s announcement public playgrounds can remain open as long as social distancing occurs, and it has been assessed that the popular play area in Cassiobury Park can accommodate 75 people (including adults). Appropriate Covid-19 advice is signposted at Cassiobury Park play area and marshals are in situ there also.

There’s no doubt about it but maintaining physical health and mental well-being is crucial to all, and particularly so during Covid-19 lockdown, and outdoor exercise is important for this, and I’d encourage residents to get out to explore our wonderful parks and open spaces. As Cassiobury Park is extremely busy at times then residents perhaps should consider another park or open space nearby.

I do look forward to the re-opening of our outdoor gyms, to the re-opening of our leisure centres and for this pandemic to be behind us, but for this to occur, reduce pressure on our health services and minimise further deaths, then we all need to follow the government Covid-19rules.

Cllr Tim Williams

Watford Borough Council,

Cabinet Member for Client Services