Public are ignoring Coronavirus advice by using play areas in Leighton Buzzard

At this time of national emergency, the town council says it is focussing its limited resources on trying to maintain some essential services, such as the cemeteries function, as well as supporting the fantastic efforts of the Leighton-Linslade COVID-19 Task Force.

On Monday night, PM Boris Johnson said people could only leave their homes for one of four reasons: shopping for basic necessities; one form of exercise per day; any medical need or to care for a vulnerable person; or for travel to work if absolutely necessary.

But with that advice appearing not to be followed by everyone, the town council has stated that people have a "personal and moral responsibility" to play their part in keeping the virus at bay.

It said: "Please note that we will do our best to maintain normal services in the parks but this will be dependent upon availability of staff and resources.

"We ask all park users to respect Government guidance regarding no use of play equipment and outdoor gym equipment, to only exercise once a day and to maintain social distancing.

"As a principle, play areas and equipment have been designed in such a way as to encourage public use by making them easy to access. Our play areas have not been designed to be locked or sealed off as this goes against their very purpose.

"No matter what level of signage we put up, there is no way we can ensure or enforce that people respect Government instructions. As individuals, we all have a personal and moral responsibility to respect laws and the guidance provided by Government.

"Whilst we share the very same frustrations, we believe it is important that as a small organisation, we focus our limited resources on essential requirements and on supporting local efforts to help those in desperate need of food and medicines. We therefore wish to plead with residents to respect Government instructions and to use the parks responsibly."

Have you seen examples of people ignoring the restrictions? Email [email protected]