Colchester Council has closed the car parks at its countryside sites to motorists with immediate effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to close the car parks has been taken in line with Government guidelines asking people to stay at home.

All car parks will be closed except Old Heath Recreation Ground, Port Lane entrance, which can be continued to be used by resident permit holders only.

The move came as the council said it had noticed a high number of people still driving to use the parks.

While the car parks will close, the parks themselves will remain open to the public.

However people have been urged to follow social distancing and have been warned gatherings of more than two people will be asked to disperse.

All other Colchester Council car parks remain open.

Martin Goss, the council's environment boss, said: “It is necessary that we close our car parks across the borough’s parks and country sites for public safety.

"Communities across the country are rallying together at this rather extraordinary time, and we appeal to the public for their understanding with this decision.

“For residents living close to one of the boroughs parks or country sites, they are still open to enjoy.

"We simply ask that you do not get in your car to travel to these sites. If we all work together, we can all play a part in stopping the spread of coronavirus.

“Please remember to adhere to social distancing when using the parks for the enjoyment of everyone.”

The full list of closed car parks are as follows:

  • Highwoods Country Park (Turner Rise and Chanterelle);
  • Wivenhoe Woods;
  • Lexden Park;
  • Gosbecks Archaeological Park;
  • Shrub End Sports Ground;
  • Lexden King George Sports Ground;
  • Mile End Sportsground;
  • Mill Road Sports Ground;
  • Old Heath Recreation Ground
  • West End Sports Ground