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Plea to Maintain Social Distancing in Hailsham’s Parks and Open Spaces

Council News & Services

Hailsham Country Park lake 

Residents in Hailsham are being urged by the Town Council to enjoy parks and local spaces safely after coronavirus restrictions were reviewed last week.

Public open spaces such as Hailsham Country Park, the Common Pond, Western Road Recreation Ground and Maurice Thornton Playing Field will remain open to the public for exercise, picnicking, sunbathing and enjoying the fresh air, although residents MUST heed government advice relating to social distancing.

The public are still permitted to visit the Town Council’s parks open spaces, but MUST follow the guidelines below.

  • Observe national social distancing guidelines with each other, currently set at 2-3 metres
  • Meet ONE other person from a different household – following current national social distancing guidelines
  • Exercise outdoors as often as you wish – following current national social distancing guidelines
  • DO NOT gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household)
  • Minimise contact with each other, e.g. no hand-shaking
  • Refrain from using parks or open spaces if you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms
  • Follow all government guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or open spaces
  • While on pathways, warn other users of your presence and step aside to let others pass

But residents and visitors must accept that some public spaces in Hailsham are still unavailable to access, because these cannot be used safely. These include the children’s play areas maintained by the Town Council (South Road, Carpenters Way, Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive and on the Maurice Thornton Playing Field).

Additionally, outdoor gyms maintained by the Town Council (Western Road and Maurice Thornton Playing Field) will remain closed until further notice.

“Everyone visiting Hailsham’s parks and open spaces must follow the Government’s 2-metre social distancing guidance and only attend with members of their own household,” said Town Clerk John Harrison. “An individual can now also choose to meet one person from another household as long as social distancing measures are strictly followed.”

“The Town Council will keep this decision under review and will update the public if there are any further changes.”

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook commented: “Advising the public on social distancing and other measures is vital if we are to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. It’s imperative that we take the health of the local community into consideration during this difficult time.”

“We’re advising residents to continue to follow government advice, but, at the same time, we understand that it is important to get some much-needed outdoor time.”

“If people choose to visit parks, recreation grounds and other open spaces, they should do this responsibly and follow the social distancing rule. Please remember to minimise contact with people from other households, do not shake hands, be sure to follow all government guidance on personal hygiene prior to use of the outdoor areas and, while on footpaths, please warn other users of your presence and step aside to let them pass.”

“Of equal importance is to refrain from using parks and open spaces if you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms or if or if you or any of your household are self-isolating. In this instance, I would urge you to stay at home – this is vital to staying safe and saving lives.”


Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk