WARRINGTON Borough Council has begun the reopening of its playgrounds to members of the public.

The playground at Walton Hall and Gardens was opened again today, Thursday.

And the sites at Victoria Park, Bank Park and Bewsey Park will follow next week.

Remaining playgrounds, outdoor gyms, skate parks and ball court will then be reopened later in the month.

All parks will be subject to safety inspections before they are opened again ‘to ensure they meet national guidance’.

If any sites or pieces of equipment are deemed to be unsafe, they will be removed, closed or taped off.

Equipment removed at the start of lockdown will be reinstated.

Park users are urged to comply with social distancing measures, wash their hands before and after visits, bring sanitiser, take litter with them and stay at home if they feel unwell.

Cllr Tony Higgins, WBC’s executive board member for leisure and communities said: “Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and ball courts are an important part of our community and we are working hard to reopen them as soon as possible however safety is paramount.

“We are taking a phased approach to their reopening to ensure that this can do done as safely as possible.

“Visitors to our playgrounds will see new signage, and we are asking everyone to observe it to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing.”