Harlow Council has closed its Town Park car parks amid fears people travelling to and meeting up in the park was driving increasing Covid-19 cases in the area.

Harlow currently has the fourth highest rate of infection in England - 1235.8.

The council, which runs four car parks serving the Town Park, have closed them with immediate effect.

Council officials say they have “serious concerns” about the number of people who are travelling to, parking and meeting up in the Town Park car parks and within the park itself.

On the weekend of January 9 many of the car parks were full to capacity.

Brian Keane, chief executive of Harlow Council, said: “Harlow’s Covid-19 cases are at a critical point with enormous pressure being put on our hospital and other NHS services. We do not want to discourage anyone from going outside to exercise. However we need to take steps to ensure that, where we can, we limit the amount of people using the park, driving to the park and potentially meeting up and gathering in the park at this time.

“We want to be clear that residents can continue to go to the Town Park for exercise and it is within walking distance for many people still. Harlow also benefits from having many green open spaces which are within walking distance of people’s doorsteps making parks easily accessible to all. The decision to close the town park car parks will be kept under review.”

Showground, First Avenue, School Lane, and Altham Lane car parks are all closed.

There will however still be disabled spaces made available at the entrance to the Showground and in Spurriers car park. Access for permit holders will remain at Spurriers.

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