Officers from Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team have taken the decision to temporarily remove playground equipment from the Botanic Gardens in Southport.
Despite clear guidance from Public Health England and the Government, a small number of people have been found to ignore social distancing warnings by continuing to use playground facilities.
While Sefton Council have closed public playgrounds to help tackle the spread of COVID-19, we have received reports of people continuing to access these facilities by climbing over barriers.
As a result steps will now be taken to temporarily decommission and remove play equipment during the enforcement of social distancing.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “The message could not be more clear.
“Residents are advised to follow stringent social distancing measures in order to protect themselves, vulnerable members of the community and the NHS during this time.
“To ignore these rules is quite simply life threatening and we will not hesitate to remove park equipment to deter further irresponsible actions.
“We have already begun decommissioning works at the playground in Botanic Gardens and will do so elsewhere if necessary.”
For the full rules and advice on social distancing, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus