The Playing Field Committee has discussed the possible reopening of the playing field and concluded that it does not have the resources to do this legally or safely. The below copy of the letter issued to the Parish Council outlines the reasons behind the decision. It is keeping the matter under review and will take heed of any new advice from the government.
Read Playing Field Committee report in relation to Government guidance – 26-06-20
Pubs, restaurants, churches, cafes, etc, are only allowed to open if they are following strict guidelines outlined by the government. Play areas are no exception to this rule and the following government guidelines have been issued:
Guidance: COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Please note the paragraph under Introduction that states:
Owners and operators responsible for playgrounds and outdoor gyms will have discretion over when they consider it safe to open for activity permitted by legislation, and may decide to keep these areas closed should they feel they are not able to facilitate their safe usage. It is recognised that owners and operators will require time to prepare for the safe reopening of playgrounds/outdoor gyms.
The Parish Council has sought advice from its insurance company who have stated that failure to act reasonably within these guidelines could make the Parish Council liable to a legal challenge. The Playing Field Committee and Parish Council therefore need to take this matter very seriously and cannot rely on the “common sense” of users.
In the first instance the play equipment, bins and gates in and around the playing field need to be thoroughly cleaned before reopening. You will note that the government guidance states there needs to be “frequent” cleaning so a cleaning rota will also need to be established before reopening. Temporary signage will also need to be installed advising users to adhere to social distancing, wash their hands, etc.
Please bear in mind that the Clerk is only contracted part time and the Parish Councillors and Playing Field Committee are all volunteers so having a cleaning regime is a huge commitment. Both the Parish Council and Playing Field Committee need to be satisfied that this can be sustained for the foreseeable future for the safety of users.
The Parish Council is aware of people ignoring the closure signs and using the playing field. Anyone doing so needs to be aware that they may contract Covid-19 from the equipment, which at present is not being regularly cleaned to make it safe. There have been numerous breaches while the playing field has been closed so the Parish Council and Playing Field Committee cannot be sure when the equipment was last used, whether users had the virus, or whether reasonable steps were taken not to pass on the infection.
The Parish Council and Playing Field Committee acknowledge that scientific advice indicates children are at the least risk of being severely affected by Covid-19. However, children using the equipment can contract the virus and pass this onto a carer or another vulnerable family member which could have more severe consequences.
The Parish Council and Playing Field Committee have undertaken a risk assessment and do not consider the field to be safe to use and have erected signage to state this. The Parish Council takes no responsibility for any users potentially contracting Covid-19 by using the equipment while it remains closed.
Please be assured that the Parish Council and the playing field committee would like to see the playing field open as soon as it is safe to do so and it is working towards that ambition.