County Durham's parks and beaches still open as normal, council insists

County Durham's parks and beaches remain 'open for business' this weekend and beyond, the council has said.

Durham County Council said it was continuing to actively monitor and act on government guidance aimed at limiting the spread of Coronavirus across the UK.

Leisure centres, libraries and other venues have been forced to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The cafe and visitor centre at both Hardwick Park at Sedgefield and Wharton Park in Durham City - as well as The Lodge visitor centre at Blackhill and Consett Park - have all closed.

Guided walks for this year have also been cancelled by the council.

However, the authority said it is keen to stress that all of its parks and open spaces are still open for visitors. Coastlines are also open for people looking to go for walks, provided they keep at least two metres apart.

Oliver Sherratt, the council's head of environment, said: "We appreciate these are really difficult times for everyone and that there are some people who need to, or feel it is best that they, self-isolate at home.

He added: "We have some wonderful parks in County Durham - be that Wharton, Hardwick, Riverside or Blackhill and Consett, and stunning beaches on the Heritage Coast like Seaham, and they all make great places to get away from it all.

"Equally the chief medical officer encouraged people to leave home and exercise earlier this week - our parks and coastline provide plenty of places to do exactly like that."