BASILDON Council is appealing for people to continue to stay at home and close to where they live, especially as the weather improves.

Signage has been put up in more than 200 locations borough wide to encourage people to stay home and continue social distancing in public spaces, while play areas and leisure facilities in parks have been locked.

Leader of the Basildon Council, Labour councillor Gavin Callaghan said: “Basildon Council is taking these extraordinary measures because our number one policy right now is to save as many people’s lives as possible.

"To ensure we achieve this, we need everyone’s help by ensuring we all play by the new rules.

“We ask people to take their exercise locally and wherever possible do not travel to popular parks.

“Continue to stay home and stay safe when you can.

“We also recognise the need to go outside and that people do live close to parks, and council staff will continue to empty bins at several parks around the borough as part of the continuation of essential services.

“We are working closely with Essex Police, and over the weekend local policing teams will support staff in parks, including litter enforcement officers, as needed – helping us all avoid coronavirus transmission at this crucial moment for our health.

“Keep listening to Public Health England’s advice about social distancing and only go out once a day for exercise, groceries, or medicine or to get to work if you’re an essential worker.

“Stay at least two meters away from people you do not live with – it’s not a challenge, it’s a bare minimum. Please respect it where possible and slow the spread of coronavirus.”

For further service updates visit www.basildon.gov.uk/coronavirus