West Park desolate due to coronavirus and Government restrictions

Parks across the city, and across the country, have been opened up to residents wanting to keep fit amid the pandemic.

Wolverhampton Council, which had closed its attractions, decided to reverse its decision after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's lockdown announcement.

A few restrictions were put in place – limiting groups of two, enforcing social distancing and closing the children's play areas – but it was still open.

Fears over Covid-19, along with the recent restrictions, had led to people choosing not to leave their homes – or not using the parks.

It meant only a handful of runners, dog walkers, and regular walkers decided to use West Park to get a mixture of fresh air and freedom.

Most people didn't wear masks but maintained a suitable distance from each other – although it was difficult for dog walkers.

Others, however, decided this protection was not good enough and opted to wear surgical masks to protect themselves.

Two people even went so far as to sit on adjacent benches to maintain a suitable distance from each other.

Runners – of which there were few – kept up their brisk pace and refused to stop for anyone, speeding through the scenic greenery of the park.

Geese lined the banks of pools inside the park, with swans enjoying a brisk swim in the otherwise hot day.

It all seemed normal – except that there was hardly anyone around. It was almost eerie.

And it was a far cry from West Park from last month, when about 400 runners turned out to mark the seventh birthday of Wolverhampton Park Run.

Now most of the paths are empty, except for a few people around, with people doing their best to keep at a suitable distance from each other.

Steven Oldershaw, who was walking three-year-old French Bulldog Milo, welcomed the lockdown move.

He said: "I'm glad – it's about time it happened.

"I didn't go to the supermarkets when they were packed – I think people should've just got what they needed.

"It's pretty quiet around here now – it's better, really, as long as people keep their distance from everyone else.

"That way this whole thing will be over and done with quickly."

Some people chose to ride their bikes around the long, winding paths in the park while others chose to sit quietly on a bench.

There was no children around – especially since the play area was shut – and only a few people tending to plants.

Everything was quiet due to fears over the coronavirus – which may be with people for a long time.