Rutland County Council and Anglian Water are urging people not to travel to Rutland this weekend to visit Rutland Water.

Following changes to national lockdown restrictions by Government last Sunday, allowing people to travel to exercise, there has been a significant increase in the number of people visiting Rutland to exercise at Rutland Water, which remains closed.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, comments: "Anglian Water has closed Rutland Water to protect its staff, volunteers and the public and we have been advised that it will remain that way for the foreseeable future.

"We recognise that after a number of weeks at home people are keen to exercise in different surroundings. But Rutland's visitor attractions, bars, restaurants and coffee shops are still closed. It is therefore important that people do not travel to the county so we can continue to protect our vulnerable residents from the virus and reduce the pressure on our emergency services and the NHS.

Jake Williams, Head of Parks and Conservation for Anglian Water, said: "Sorry, but our sites are currently closed to the public at this time.

"We know our leisure attractions are loved by many and protecting the health and safety of our colleagues and visitors is our top priority.

"Balancing the needs and wishes of all our active communities is always a challenge and all are keen as each other to get back to some sense of normality. We must be certain that when we reopen, we can do so safely, meeting all the guidance on social distancing.

"Please respect the difficult decision we have made at this time. Protecting our colleagues has been at the forefront of our minds since the lockdown began, even though hundreds are out working every day to keep essential services flowing.

"We don't want our colleagues to face abuse as has sadly been the case recently. If you were hoping to visit soon please postpone as we will not be open and all tracks and car parks are closed."

He added: "For those of you who have been supportive throughout, thank you so much. It means everything to our teams."