NORTHWICH Town Council has moved to close its play areas across the town due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Play areas including Vickersway Park, Skate Park, Church Walk, Burnside Way, Victoria Street, Old Hall Road, James Street and Danefields are now closed with immediate effect.

All other open spaces will remain open, but the town council is urging visitors to follow current government guidelines on social distancing and that they wash and sanitise hands as recommended.

The ongoing opening of open spaces will be reviewed on a daily basis in line with the latest government guidance issued.

Northwich Town Council has also now closed its offices in order to protect employees, councillors and members of the public.

Some staff will be present in the office between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday to answer phone calls only.

All events that Northwich Town Council was planning this year with partners have been postponed, including the Community Fun Day at Vickersway Park, Krazy Races and Verdin Park Music Festival.

All council meetings that were scheduled to take place have also now been cancelled until further notice.

A spokesperson for Northwich Town Council added: “The council took this step at its meeting on Thursday, March 19 to ensure it can continue to operate in the intervening period by providing emergency powers to the town clerk.

“The town council is working with Cheshire West and Chester Council and partners to help in whichever way it can to support our residents through this very difficult time.

“Updates will be provided via northwichtowncouncil.gov.uk and the town council’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

“If you are not online, please call our office on 01606 41510, and we will do our very best to help.

“Northwich has an amazing community, and if we all pull together, we will get through this.

“Take care all and stay safe.”