Residents are urged to keep the borough’s parks litter free following the further easing of some lockdown restrictions by the government. 

People may now exercise outdoors as much as they wish and enjoy local parks and green spaces and may meet with one other person from a different household outside while maintaining social distancing. 

From Monday (1 June 2020), groups of up to six people from different households will be able to meet outside, it has been announced by the government.

Many people will continue to use Ealing’s parks to walk, sit, meet others, exercise and enjoy picnics – all whilst continuing to social distance.

Residents must always treat local parks and other visitors with respect and consideration. This means cleaning up all litter and taking home any rubbish that cannot be placed comfortably inside a bin.

Park rangers have reported an increase of abandoned picnics in local parks, where irresponsible individuals have left food, plastic packaging, cans, bottles and litter discarded, following a visit.

Not only is this costly to the council and terrible for environment, it is also deeply unpleasant for the vast majority of local people who rely on our parks and green space for exercise and enjoyment at this difficult time.

Local people are also reminded that that BBQs and fires are not allowed in any of the borough’s parks or open spaces at any time.

To ensure a safe distance of two metres can be maintained, dogs should be kept under control, preferably on a lead.

The council has been working to ensure that local people can get the best out of their local park in accordance with government measures and social distancing.

People may now take part in certain outdoor sports and activities in line social distancing rules. As a result, some non-contact outdoor sport facilities have reopened, including tennis courts, and Perivale and Brent Valley golf have reopened.

People may now drive to outdoor open spaces and are not limited by distance. Therefore, the following park carparks have reopened: Northala Fields, Brent Lodge Park, Pitshanger Park, Ealing Central Sports Ground, Berkeley Fields (for Horsenden Lane). 

People are still encouraged to use their local parks and open spaces for exercise as much as possible, rather than travelling by car to more distant parks.

Some park cafés are set to open for takeaways and ice cream vans will also be able to operate. Playgrounds, play areas, basketball courts and outdoor gyms remain closed. 

There will continue to be enhanced council and police patrols in parks to provide advice, guidance and to help enforce social distancing. Enforcement of the ongoing restrictions falls to the police. 

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “Ealing has so many wonderful parks and green spaces and as the weather becomes warmer these will prove vital for residents who have limited or no access to outdoor space at home.  

“It is absolutely vital that everyone treats our parks and their follow visitors with the upmost respect. The vast majority of residents act sensibly and keep parks litter free, but it only takes an irresponsible minority to cause harm to our parks and ruin the enjoyment of others.

“If people can bring food and packaging to the park, they can take the packaging home with them whether the bins are full or empty – there’s no excuse to litter.

“By following social distancing rules and respecting other park users, we can ensure that Ealing’s parks and green spaces are safe, open and welcoming for all.”

Check the council’s website and social media for updates if you are planning to travel to a local park or green space.