Kirkbride Parish Council has announced the reopening of the play area in the village.

It has been almost three months since the UK entered into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, shutting down all non-essential services.

But now shops and public places are beginning to open up as the government starts to ease the lockdown measures – and that includes areas of green spaces and natural beauty.

Therefore Kirkbride's play area is due to reopen tomorrow in line with government guidelines – but the parish council continues to be concerned about the health and safety of those using the site.

In a post on Facebook, Barrie Day said: “It is still possible that infection could be picked up from contact with play area equipment."

The council therefore asks visitors to the play area to bring sanitiser or antiseptic wipes and clean their hands thoroughly before and after visiting the venue.

Visitors to the area are also being encouraged to walk through the woodland area as various flowers that were planted earlier in the year are starting to bloom.

Mr Day added there had also been a lot of bird activity in Claypit Wood and urges villagers to take a look for them when out on daily walks.