Rule of six to return and Lancashire outdoor sports facilities reopen next week

The rule of six is set to make a return, along with a two household limit on meeting people in outdoor spaces as lockdown continues to ease.

And outdoor grassroots sports pitches, gyms and multi-use game areas that have been closed since the third national lockdown was introduced will reopen from Monday March 29.

In January, the Post reported that the council closed outdoor gyms and sports areas in the third national lockdown - which was met with some confusion as public parks remained open.

Preston City Council were snapped closing outdoor sports facilities at Moor Park and Ashton Park but have since announced they will be reopening from next Monday.

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: “The last year has been tough and we’ve all been affected by this pandemic in one way or another.

"As we move into the next phase of the Government’s roadmap in getting back to normal, the ‘stay at home’ rule becomes ‘stay local’. As one in three people who have the virus don’t display symptoms, we all still need to play our part in stopping its spread.

“From March 29, grassroots outdoor sports will return in line with guidance from the relevant National Governing body so we would urge people to check with their local clubs. In Preston, we will reopen outdoor sports facilities such as outdoor gyms, multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and sports pitches.

“We would also remind people to be sensible in following the changing guidelines in meeting up outdoors with the Rule of 6 from different households or a larger group from no more than two households. Other restrictions remain in place, so please check the FAQs on our website or information at gov.uk.”

From Monday, the 'rule of six' is set to make a return, where groups of up to six people and no more than two households can meet, socially distanced, outdoors.

For more information on the roadmap out of lockdown, as outlined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, click here.

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