Play areas and skateparks across east Suffolk have reopened.

After the further easing of lockdown restrictions, and following the latest announcement from the Government, East Suffolk Council and East Suffolk Norse have been busy recently preparing for play areas and skateparks to start reopening from Saturday, July 4.

This included inspecting all sites to ensure they are safe and clear to reopen and installing new signage to highlight the guidelines which must be followed.

All sites were being reopened once this was completed.

Letitia Smith, the council’s cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, is encouraging families, children, and young people to enjoy the sites safely by continuing to follow the official guidelines.

She said: “We know that many families, children and young people have missed the play areas and skateparks, and we are excited that these can once again be enjoyed by the very people they were built for.

“However, it remains of uttermost importance that we all continue to play our part in controlling the virus.

“Therefore, I would like to remind everyone, young and old, to continue to follow the Government’s guidelines and any additional guidelines displayed when using our outdoor spaces.

“If a site is busy and it is not possible to practice social distancing, please consider coming back at another time when it is less busy.

“Also remember to bring hand sanitiser and use this frequently, and, as a minimum, before and after using any equipment.

“I know it can be hard to explain, especially to young children, but if you are a parent or a guardian of a child or young person, please make sure you have a chat with them about not congregating in groups or using busy sites, being patient and waiting their turns and continuing to follow the guidelines.”

With Lowestoft Town Council overseeing outdoor play areas across Lowestoft, including the Stoven Close children’s play area in north Lowestoft that is pictured, a spokesman said: “As and when the play areas open again they can be used at the user’s own risk.

“The council asks for co-operation in making these places as safe as possible and open to all to enjoy.

“To enjoy the play areas safely people must supervise children at all times, keep to social distancing, limit time on equipment and queue patiently and politely if necessary to achieve this, frequently clean hands and surfaces that people may use, avoid eating and drinking in play areas and take rubbish home.

“The council will continue to monitor government guidance on the use of public spaces and play areas and will implement changes if necessary.”