South Ribble basketball court taken down after rules flouted

South Ribble Borough Council has now removed the hoops at the park on Chapel Lane and said that all play areas remain closed for the protection of the public and to safeguard the NHS.

It comes after the Lancashire Post revealed that the man – who was having a game with what appeared to be his teenage son earlier the week – told the former Lancashire constable that he hoped she caught coronavirus.

She says that the incident on Easter Monday did nothing to deter the pair – who returned the next day. While exercise in a public place with members of your own household is permitted under lockdown rules, public facilities containing shared equipment have been closed.

“It didn’t surprise me that they came back, because the man was so defiant. It’s sad, because the majority of people around here are being very good in sticking to the rules.

“I’ve had lot support from the community, with people backing me up on social media after it was reported.

“I’m delighted with what the council have done – and it shows the value of the local press as well.”

South Ribble’s cabinet member for the environment, Sue Jones, praised the majority of people for abiding by Covid-related rules – but urged residents not to become complacent.

“Nobody should be using the equipment or trying to gain access to the play areas, as they have been locked up for the protection of our residents and to safeguard the health, not only of the public, but also the NHS and its hardworking staff who we must protect at all costs.

“Overall, we have been very pleased to see the parks and play areas empty or significantly quieter than usual, which is what is needed in this current time.

“Let’s keep up this good work, because as the government announced on 16th April, this lockdown will be continuing for at least another few weeks, up until 7th May at the earliest – so now is not the time to be thinking we are over this, because we’re not.

“Yes, the play areas will reopen at some point, but until we communicate this officially on our website, Facebook and Twitter.

“We urge people: please stay at home and do not use the play areas, because this is unsafe for you and it is unsafe for others you may come into contact with,” Cllr Jones warned.