East Devon District Council has announced that four skate parks and 12 multi-use games areas (MUGAs) will be reopening to the public from Monday (6 July).

East Devon District Council is also working towards opening some play parks over the coming weeks as the UK gradually eases out of lockdown.

The district council manages 71 play areas, as well as the skate parks and MUGAs, which were all closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the easing of restrictions, and following a rigorous risk assessment, Honiton skate park will reopen from Monday (6 July) along with the multi-use games areas at Davey's Field in Streamers Meadow and in Allhallows Playing Field.

New signage will be required to be in place to remind people to maintain social distancing, to wash their hands thoroughly before and after their visit, to take their own hand sanitiser wherever possible and not to eat and drink whilst using play equipment.

People are also asked to take litter home or to dispose of litter in the bins provided, be considerate of other park users and if any play area appears busy, they should come back at a later time.

Reopening of play sites is a more complex issue due to the detailed guidance from the government on increased cleaning of where people's hands meet the equipment.

There are clearly many of these touch points where children play and, whereas before these touch points were not cleaned, the council is carrying out further risk assessments to determine the levels of cleaning now required in light of Covid-19.

These assessments are required for each of the 71 play area sites. With the current resources the council has, it is focussing on how it can safely reopen 12 play parks and will review the reopening of all the other sites shortly.

As with all outdoor equipment that can be accessed by multiple people, play areas cannot be guaranteed to be free of Covid-19.

Parents should supervise their children at all times and should take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their children while using the equipment.

Government guidance says parents, guardians and carers should sanitise children's hands both before and after using the play equipment.

It is anticipated that the following play area sites will reopen on Monday, 13 July:

- Allhallows, Honiton

- St Mark's Road, Honiton

Councillor Geoff Jung Portfolio holder for Coast Countryside and Environment said: "I am really pleased that following the Government's decision to reduce Covid-19 emergency measures we are able to reopen many of our play areas.

"We are only able to do this following a thorough review and risk assessment of all our sites, and providing extra cleaning, materials and signage to protect the health and wellbeing for all the users.

"There are other playparks and facilities throughout the district run by a community, group, or Parish Council who are also considering opening their facilities and therefore residents need to check locally when their play park is open."

The latest Government guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms is available here.