Children in a Rutland village are banned from using a playground due to lockdown restrictions.

Now, Market Overton Parish Council, the Lodge Trust and Market Overton Play Area have issued a joint-statement (attached) explaining why.

The three say the playground is closed to the public as it is sited in care home grounds and must remain closed to protect the health of its residents.

As they play area is locked and marked as closed, anyone entering would be trespassing. The play equipment has also not had its annual safety check and is not insured if anyone is injured using it.

The statement calls on people to avoid using the play area and entering the lodge grounds for their own safety and the safety of the care home residents.

It described the year-long closure as "sad and frustrating", which was entirely due to the unexpected pandemic. It added it would publicise when the grounds can re-open safely once more.

More details can be found here.