South Kesteven District Council's outdoor play areas that were closed during the Coronavirus lockdown reopened to the public on Saturday (July 4).

In line with Government guidance for lockdown restrictions to be eased, they are once again open to visitors - but there is advice to follow so they can be used safely.

Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial Operations, cut the tape that had been surrounding outdoor gym equipment in Grantham's Wyndham Park.

He said: "We are very aware that the Coronavirus has not gone away, but outdoor play and fresh air are vitally important to children and families and have been badly missed by so many in recent weeks.

"However, we share a responsibility to keep each other safe and each have a role to play in that. I would politely remind parents to take care when their children are using play equipment, particularly at this time. If the play areas are busy, for example, it may be worth returning at another time when there are fewer people around.

"Signs have gone up at all our play areas across the district to help remind users of the precautions they need to take to keep them and their families safe. We must all do what we can to prevent any further spread of the virus. It is great to see our play areas open, please help us to keep it that way."

The advice includes observing social distancing guidelines, wiping down equipment before and after using it, applying hand sanitiser regularly and washing hands as soon as possible after using the equipment.

Anyone using the outdoor gym is advised to take a towel so they can wipe down the equipment before and after use.

Rod Tyler, President of the Rotary Club of Grantham, said: "I am absolutely delighted to see our gym equipment open for the public to use again.

"Clearly people need to always follow the social distancing advice, but exercise and fresh air is so important to people that it will be great to see play areas and our outdoor gym back in use."

Joining them in Wyndham Park was fellow Rotarian Roger Graves. The Rotary Club paid for the £20,000 outdoor gym with money raised from its annual RotarySwimarathon at the Meres Leisure Centre.

The ten pieces of equipment allow aerobic, muscle-toning and strength-building exercises. The outdoor gym is very popular with people of all ages and abilities. It offers the perfect way to kick-start a more active lifestyle following lockdown.

Food and drink are not allowed near play facilities and people are urged to take any litter home.