Himley Park closed until further notice after attracting large crowds
Himley Park has been forced to close today after large crowds gathered there ignoring Government advice on social distancing.
The Government has advised people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, but parks have been allowed to remain open so people can exercise once a day.
Crowds gathered at the parkland surround in Himley Hall, near Dudley, yesterday say council officials forcing the closure.
As a result the gates to the grounds have been closed until further notice.
It came after Himley Hall itself shut its doors several days ago.
The park was visited by dozens of people at the weekend out for works before stricter advice was given by the Government.
Dudley Council leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said: "I had several reports yesterday that people were blatantly flouting the expert advice and gathering in large groups within Himley Park.
"We had tried to keep the grounds open so that people had somewhere to get fresh air and exercise, but I’m afraid we cannot allow people to put each other at risk by gathering in large numbers there.
The advice from government has been very clear – stay at home to protect yourself and our NHS.
"If you have to go out, for essential things, then you must observe the recommended social distancing.
"The only way to reduce the spread of coronavirus is if we all reduce our contact with other people.
"If people follow these rules we will all be doing what we can to defend ourselves from this terrible outbreak. If people do not follow this expert advice, I will be forced to close more parks and open spaces."
For all the latest information, including council services affected, people can visit the council's coronavirus advice at www.dudley.gov.uk
