REPORTS of people picnicking on Ilkley Moor has prompted a warning from Bradford Council to everyone to use green spaces responsibly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Play areas, play grounds and multi-use games areas across the whole of the Bradford district are closed, but the council is hearing of people ignoring the signs and tape put in place and using play equipment, multi-use games areas and congregating in parks.

They are also getting reports of people driving to beauty spots such as the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley for picnics and to meet up with friends in groups.

A Council spokesperson said: "The message is clear - avoid all unnecessary journeys and Stay At Home. If people don’t have a garden or access to outside space they should go as far as nearest park or greenspace, not venture further afield.

"Local parks should only be used for the sole purpose of daily exercise and not to meet mates, use equipment or play sports.

"People who live in the same house may go out together but should keep their distance from others. Groups of more than two people from different households meeting up are dangerous and not allowed."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “I cannot stress this strongly enough – this is a national emergency and not a national holiday. Now is not the time to go to the park to meet up with your mates, it is also not the time to take up jogging, go hill walking or go on excessive dog walks. This is the time to avoid all non-essential travel, keep contact to a minimum and Stay At Home.

“People need to get real and treat this seriously – workplaces and education setting are not closed to give people the opportunity to meet with their friends and stroll in the park.

“Anyone you come in to contact with could have coronavirus, any surface you touch could have coronavirus, so meeting up with people and using the play equipment in parks is extremely irresponsible.

“People who are doing this, are not only risking their health, but the health of everyone they come in to contact with, including members of their family especially elderly grandparents, great grandparents and people who are already not well. Gates are locked, signs are up and areas are taped off for a reason.

“Youth Workers have also been giving clear messages that young people should Stay At Home and act responsibly to help keep them and their loved ones safe. This doesn’t mean all hang out at one person’s house. It means go to your own home and stay there.

“There are loads of great ways that people can use technology to keep in touch and people should use these.”

People are being encouraged to subscribe to email alerts from Bradford Council at www.bradford.gov.uk/stayconnected and follow the council on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @bradfordmdc