Wardens slap tickets on cars parked illegally outside Sywell Country Park

Drivers visiting Sywell Country Park on Saturday were slapped with a ticket for parking illegally.

Wardens were out in force over the weekend to stop cars parked illegally near the park. Northamptonshire County Council has not yet reopened car parks at its parks and warned potential visitors that the park could only be accessed on foot.

The move came after the government announced the next phase of lockdown.

Last week, we reported that Northamptonshire County Council was working out how to make the parks safe for visitors after new Government advice that members of the public can travel as far as they like to exercise was announced.

Gates and car parks at Barnwell, Brixworth, Fermyn Woods, Irchester and Sywell country parks have been shut since lockdown was introduced in March, but the local authority is hopeful that they will re-open by the next bank holiday weekend.

Northamptonshire County Council spokeswoman said: “We understand that members of the public are keen to get outdoors again and we are busy devising a strategy to make it safe for people to visit our country parks.

“The Government announced some changes to the country's lockdown position on Sunday May 10 and we're working to see what this means for us. We understand that members of the public are keen to get outdoors again and we are busy devising a strategy to make it safe for people to visit our country parks.

“Keeping visitors, staff and local communities safe as lockdown restrictions evolve means we need to maintain social distancing, and so we will have to avoid creating hotspots and discourage gatherings.

“We are looking to re-open the car parks in our five country parks before the next bank holiday weekend and are taking steps to ensure staff and visitor safety first.

“In the meantime the parks are accessible on foot. Visitors are expected to abide by social distancing guidance and take extra care around their own hygiene. In order to ensure everybody’s safety, play parks and cafes will remain closed.”