There was a backlash over the weekendAll car parks at Coventry’s parks will close, Coventry City Council has said.
However the authority said parks will remain open for visitors on foot, despite calls on the weekend from some residents to close them outright.
Coventry City Council pulled in extra staff on the weekend at parks including Coombe Abbey Country Park and the War Memorial to ensure visitors abided by the social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus lockdown.
But their social media post advising visitors to social distance was met by a backlash of anger, with one branding the decision to keep them open as “ridiculous” and another a “disgrace”.
While the council has decided to keep the parks open, car parks will close from midday on Tuesday, April 7.
Andrew Walster, the director with responsibility for parks, said: “We’ve wrestled with this decision over the last few days as the vast majority of people have observed social distancing when visiting our parks.
“However, we are really lucky that in Coventry most people live relatively close to a park, woodland or fields.
“This means most people can enjoy a walk in their local area without the need to get in a car and travel.
“We have always said we would constantly review the situation, make changes if needed and continue to respond to national guidance alongside local knowledge.
“To stress, all of our parks remain open to people visiting on foot. I’d also like to thank people for their continued support and sensible approach when enjoying our parks and open spaces.”