Residents angry as Coombe Abbey Park and car park remains open to the public

The entrance to the site. Photo: Google Streetview.

Car parks at country parks across Warwickshire have been shut, but the car park and the land at Coombe Abbey Park - which is managed by Coventry City Council - remains open.

Among the concerns of residents are that people are driving to the park and they may not be obeying social distancing measures when they visit.

Writing on their Facebook page, Rugby First Responders joined the public in criticising those driving to the park.

They said: "For the people driving to Coombe Abbey to get their 'exercise'... Did you stop at a petrol station to buy fuel for this completely unnecessary journey?

"Did you also ‘pop’ to a shop to buy snacks and drinks for your day out?

"And let’s not even start on everyone touching the ticket machines in the car park or hand rails."

Updated guidance issued by National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing on Tuesday, March 31, states: "Use your judgement and common sense; for example, people will want to exercise locally and may need to travel to do so, we don’t want the public sanctioned for travelling a reasonable distance to exercise."

Yesterday, April 5, Warwickshire Police publicly responded to residents' concerns, stating that officers have been visiting the park to make sure people are complying with social distancing measures.

Sup Daf Goddard from Warwickshire Police said: "We're aware of concerns being raised, and are working with Coventry City Council in a regular basis.

"Officers have been visiting the park over the weekend to monitor and advise on social distancing, and have worked with staff on site to ensure that guidance is being adhered to.

"We will continue to patrol the area and if we feel the situation needs changing, we will review it.

"We'd like to thank those who are continuing to follow government guidelines - we recognise this is a really frustrating and difficult time for everyone and we are very thankful for your support."

Coventry City Council has been contacted for comment.