ALL outdoor gyms and play areas in west Cheshire will reopen from Saturday.

The move has been confirmed by both Cheshire West and Chester Council and Northwich Town Council in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Signage will be erected giving instructions and advice to help residents and families use equipment safely by following the latest guidance.

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC leader and cabinet member for wellbeing, said: “All play areas and outdoor gyms were closed in March at the start of the outbreak.

“We are well aware that coronavirus has not gone away, but we’re doing all we can to get residents back exercising in our outdoor gyms and children enjoying their play areas again.

“Our teams will be putting up signage and instructions to help keep everyone safe, but social distancing guidance must be followed at all times.

“Before and after using the facilities, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or hand sanitiser and wash them again when you return home.

“Please follow the signage and instructions and think of others when you use the facilities - thank you for keeping your community safe and healthy.”

This was echoed by Northwich Town Council clerk Chris Shaw, who said: “NTC will open all its play areas and outdoor gyms on Saturday, July 4.

“All areas will have signage in place to help keep our residents safe.

“Social distancing must be followed at all times and we advise all users of our play areas to sanitise their hands after each use as the equipment will not be disinfected.”

Residents who feel unwell are urged not visit facilities.

Those who do with to visit outdoor gyms and play areas are advised to clean equipment before use, not to touch your face, to cough or sneeze into a tissue and to return to facilities at a later time if they are busy.