Park in Dudley closed after “mindless” groups of people seen gathering amid COVID-19 crisis

The urgent closure of a park in Dudley has been ordered following reports of “mindless” groups of people gathering at the open space.

Stevens Park - Quarry bank - will be closed for 48 hours from today (Wednesday) and the closure will be reviewed after that.

It comes after Dudley Council received several reports about groups of people gathering at the site, despite Government rules about social distancing.

They also received reports about people ignoring the rules about remaining two metres apart at all times.

The gates of the park are now locked and signs have been installed to let people know.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "The people who flout these rules are mindless and put everyone at risk. I said before that if people ignored the rules we would have no other option but to close the parks – which impacts people’s lives further."

Himley Hall and Park recently closed following similar issues and people have been warned that more parks would follow if rules are ignored.