Stroud Town Council is opening its playgrounds at Daisy Bank, The Leazes, Uplands and Park Gardens from today.

The decision follows the recent government announcement.

"We have completed a risk assessment, but it is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus (or any other infection) at a place like a playground, which can be frequented by large numbers of people," the Town Council stated.

"It is also unclear how long the coronavirus can live on plastic, timber and metal playground structures."

The Town Council's advice to playground visitors is:

· Wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after playing.

· Give each other room and maintain 2 meters social distance – we have removed some equipment to help with this.

· Be patient and be kind to each other - if the equipment is busy please consider coming back later.

· Only share equipment with people you live with.

· Don’t eat or drink when playing.

· Please dispose of any rubbish sensibly.

· Wear appropriate face coverings if required.

If any member of your family is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms the whole family must self isolate at home and should not visit any communal facilities.

"We know how important these facilities are for families in our town and we are delighted that we can now reopen them. We ask everyone to help each other to play safely," said Stroud Town Mayor Kevin Cranston.