Wicksteed Park closed until further notice

Wicksteed Park has closed its attractions until further notice.

The park said it had taken the decision to preserve the health and well-being of customers and staff following the latest government advice.

Wicksteed Park's managing director, Lee Scragg, said: "The decision has been taken in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve the health and well-being of our customers and staff, which is of paramount importance to us.

"Our public open spaces will remain open for people who wish to use them to exercise, walk their pets or enjoy some fresh air.

"But we would urge people to follow the latest health advice and take the appropriate measures to prevent the transmission of the virus.

“Some limited refreshment options will be provided at the Carousel Café for those people who still wish to visit the park but we will only be accepting contactless payments.”

All events in the park's Pavilion venue have also been postponed or cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Staff are liaising with event organisers to rearrange where possible. The Pavilion hosts public and private events, such as weddings.

Wicksteed Park is owned by a charitable trust and is reliant on donors to supplement the income it receives from customers.

Oliver Wicksteed, chairman of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, said: "The Wicksteed Charitable Trust receives no regular external funding to help maintain the park as a truly unique, freely accessible public space and closing for any length of time will have a profound and lasting effect on its finances."

Lee Scragg added: "This is an unprecedented situation and we will continue to assess the staffing and financial implications on an ongoing basis.

"However, as a tourism attraction wholly owned by a charity, there is no escaping the fact that our finances are always tight."

The park had already announced its Locals Days promotions, but these will be rescheduled to run when the park re-opens.