Coronavirus: Middlesbrough mayor says parks stay closed

Parks in Middlesbrough are to remain closed despite government advice they should reopen.

The town's mayor Andy Preston said it had "one of the highest rates of Covid 19 infection outside of London" and it would be "dangerous" for people to mingle.

He cited a think-tank report which claims Middlesbrough is the "riskiest" place in the country for coronavirus.

The government has said "people need parks" for exercise and mental health.

In a post on social media, Mr Preston said: "Because of Middlesbrough's high rates of infection and our other health challenges, we are deemed to be the most coronavirus vulnerable place in the UK.

"With this in mind I have decided that, for now, our parks remain closed.

"Parks themselves are not dangerous - but people gathering and mixing inappropriately in parks could be deadly."

Mr Preston told BBC Tees the situation was being reviewed constantly, adding: "As soon as we can make access to parks safe and not a risk to public health, we will."

He pointed to a report by the Centre for Progressive Policy which says Middlesbrough "has a combined high case load and high level of systemic risk".

The think-thank said it reached its conclusions by analysing confirmed cases against the age of an area's population, life expectancy and quality of care.

Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough, said while "these decisions are not easy", he thought Mr Preston had "got this wrong".

He said parks are a "great asset" to people in densely populated urban areas and "there would be significant benefits from re-opening our major parks, including depriving people of the excuse of travelling by car to enjoy a green space elsewhere".

"We all benefit for being in a green and pleasant environment and parks are a huge solace for many," Mr McDonald said as he urged Mr Preston to reverse the closure decision.

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