PLAY areas operated by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) have now reopened following changes in national Coronavirus guidance.

Sixty one SLDC play areas across the district were reopened on Saturday as council staff took down the closed signs that had been in place since late March.

New signs have been erected encouraging children to enjoy the play areas while staying safe, by observing social distancing and keeping hands clean.

Hand sanitiser units have been installed at some of the larger play areas.

Cllr Philip Dixon, SLDC’s new portfolio holder for customer and commercial services and people, said: “To protect residents in line with national government advice and direction we closed all our play areas at the end of March to limit the spread of Coronavirus.

“We would like to thank everyone who acted responsibly and stayed away from the play areas over the past three months.

“While the play areas were closed we took the opportunity to carry out some maintenance work and following the latest update to the national guidance are pleased we’re now able to re-open these facilities. We are very proud of our play areas in South Lakeland and in contrast to many councils SLDC has continued to invest in our parks and playgrounds, working with our communities and spending nearly a million pounds on improvements over the past five years.

“Our officers will monitor use of the play areas and will be undertaking some enhanced cleaning over the coming weeks. We hope that children and families continue to enjoy our play areas but we would urge everyone who visits these facilities to follow the advice on the new signs to maintain social distancing and hand hygiene.’’