YOUTHS in Ledbury have been flouting guidance on social distancing, says Ledbury Town Council who has urged parents to keep children at home.

There has been a "number of incidents" at one of the public spaces in the town, and a spokesperson for the council said West Mercia Police has been informed.

For more than a week people have been told to stay at home due to coronavirus and only go out for a limited number of reasons, such as shopping for essential items or medical reasons – and social distancing should be observed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on March 23 friends and family members who do not live together should not meet, but parks could remain open for exercise.

Ledbury Town Council has since said the Walled Garden in Church Road could now be closed to the public in an attempt to deter incidents.

"We are aware that there have been a number of incidents in the Walled Garden on Church Street in Ledbury involving youths and some adults," the spokesperson said.

"The police are aware of these incidents and are looking into them and it is likely that the gates to the Walled Garden will now be closed.

"We would remind all residents that they should not be out socialising in groups at this time and that they should adhere to the government guidelines of keeping a distance of two meters from others at all times.

"Children and young people should not be out in groups and we would urge parents to keep their children safe at home and encourage them to use social media platforms to keep in touch with their friends."