Waltham Forest’s deputy leader Clyde Loakes blamed a “selfish” minority for the council’s decision to close all parks in the evening from today.

After previously restricting only Sidmouth and Langthorne Park, the council will now close all parks every evening until further notice.

The borough’s parks will only be open from 9am until 6pm after reports of people sunbathing, playing sports, picnicking or drinking.

The council encourages residents to only use parks for exercise such as walking or running and council officers, contractors and police will patrol parks while they are open to enforce the rules.

Minority 'don't seem to want to listen'

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and member for environment, said: “We have been urging residents to adhere to social distancing and not leave their home unless absolutely necessary – there is clear guidance available on this.

“We are pleased that most of our residents have been following this guidance; however, there is a small minority that don’t seem to want to listen.

“We have therefore taken the difficult decision to reduce the opening hours in Waltham Forest to between 9am and 6pm as we have seen too many people still not adhering to Government advice and visiting the parks to meet friends, sunbathe, drink alcohol and cause a nuisance.

“This is unacceptable - our parks should now only be visited as part of a daily exercise routine, perhaps as part of a walk or run. I highly doubt that anyone in this borough isn’t aware of what they should and should not be doing while we try to slow the spread and impact of this virus.

Ignoring advice 'selfish' and 'risks lives'

“Ignoring Government advice is not only selfish - it risks lives, whether yours, others, or our officers and the police who enforce the rules - but it also allows the virus to thrive.

“Let us be in no doubt that the small short term sacrifices we all have to make will save the lives of family, friends, and neighbours.

“Thank you for your continuing support, patience and understanding, during this difficult time for us all.“

He added that the council is aware of how important parks are to residents’ health but warned more drastic measures, such as closing parks entirely, were still possible.

Outdoor gyms and playgrounds will remain closed even during the new limited opening hours.

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @ELondonGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Waltham Forest and Redbridge.