Rutland Water is to re-open tomorrow, though many of its facilities will remain closed.

Anglian Water says over the past few weeks, it has 'worked tirelessly' to ensure heath and safety requirements can be met for all its water parks.

However, a spokesman said that to protect the local Rutland community, the company asks people not to visit in large groups and not to rush to visit either.

" There will be plenty of opportunity over the coming weeks. We are keen to avoid a large influx of people arriving at the same time. There will be limited parking onsite to ensure that we can monitor the flow of people coming to visit and ensure social distancing is possible.

"There will be changes across our parks to make sure Government guidance can be maintained and to protect visitors and our colleagues.

"The waterside and harbour cafes will remain closed, along with the Rutland Belle. We also won't be opening the beach this summer."

Other facilities that will remain closed include the nature reserve, all children's playgrounds, mini-golf and there will be no water sports hire.

Rutland Cycle will operate a click and collect service through its website.

advertisement

The spokesman continued: "It is clear that there is still a long road ahead in respect of living with Covid-19 and it'll come as no surprise that, as with all walks of our current lives, things will look a little different for some time to come.

"We know this has been a long and frustrating period and we would like to thank everyone for their patience. What makes us love doing what we do, is seeing and experiencing the pleasure all our visitors get from their experience on our parks.

"We would like to thank those of you who have been supportive throughout this time, it means everything to our teams."

"We will continue to monitor the Government's advice and the situation as the summer progresses, and will keep everyone updated on any changes we need to make on our website.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, commented: "Rutland County Council fully supports Anglian Water's decision to re-open its facilities at Rutland Water to the public.

"A significant amount of detailed planning has taken place to ensure the re-opening is as safe as possible for, staff, volunteers, residents and tourists.

"We recognise that, after so many weeks spent in lockdown, people will be keen to visit the reservoir. But, we would urge everyone to exercise restraint, and consider the potential implications an influx of visitors could have.

"All of Rutland's tourist attractions, restaurants, coffee shops and bars are now gearing up reopen in the summer, depending on Government guidance, so there will be plenty of time to visit then, but now we must all play our part in ensuring our vulnerable residents and the wider public are protected from the virus."

advertisement