Coronavirus: Parks closed across Mid and East Antrim

The closures extend to entire parks following last Friday's decision to close play areas.

In a statement, the local government authority said: "Due to serious concerns around the need for social distancing to combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID 19), all parks in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area will be closed to the public from this morning, Monday, March 23.

"Signage will be erected at each of the sites and gates will be locked to prevent access.

“We strongly encourage the public to keep away from our parks during this time and thank you for your continued support.”

All unstaffed public toilets in the council area will also close from today.

Four toilets, which are staffed by council employees, will remain open in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.

Council staff will ensure social distancing measures are in place at these facilities, with extra cleaning measures also put in place.

Meanwhile, household recycling centres will remain open for the time being.

"From Monday, March 23, new measures will be in place, including council staff limiting the number of visitors at a time into our sites," a council spokesperson said.

"Signage is being erected advising the public of the need for social distancing and instructing that just one car can be unloaded at a time."

The latest information on public services in Mid and East Antrim can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/covid-19