I am pleased to announce that as of 9am on Saturday 4 July the playpark in Staunton on Wye will be open following the recent lockdown. The re-opening is being undertaken by Staunton on Wye Group Parish Council following advice from Herefordshire Council who have in turn been advised by National Government. I have in turn read the advice contained within the document held on-line set out by the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government.
There will be a sign on the front gate advising those who are about to use the playpark to maintain social distancing. Given that there are no staff controlling the playpark this clearly has to be left up to the discipline of users. However the current government advice to which I have access states “ 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigations ( where 2 metres is not viable ) are acceptable “.
The Government and local Council are advising parents to bring hand sanitiser gel or wipes to clean their children’s hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using approved gel and foam sanitiser, particularly at the beginning and end of play.
Users of the equipment should not touch their faces and should cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm when a tissue is not available Adults and children should not put their mouths on equipment or their hands in their mouths.
The Parish Council is putting into effect the cleaning of the playpark equipment at touch points and those points on the gates. At the moment such cleaning will take place on a weekly basis which is likely to be carried out on a Saturday morning at approximately 9am.
At this point in time we are asking those using the playpark for the following assistance. Please be aware that the consumption of food or drink on play equipment is banned. Please try to ensure that your child behaves properly on the equipment provided. Please take home any rubbish that you may accrue during your visit to the playpark and do not leave it loose.
The opening of the playpark is coming at a period when much of the effects of Covid-19 are as yet unknown. The decision has been made by the Government advising the Local Authority that it is appropriate to open this playpark. However the Parish Council is mindful that circumstances may change and that closure of the playpark may be undertaken again.
If you have any queries please contact your local parish Councillor or myself as Clerk ( 07818 087255 ).
Stephen Grist
Clerk : Staunton on Wye Group Parish Council