POOR behaviour on Good Friday will see Colchester’s beauty spot shut down for the foreseeable future, the council’s public safety boss has warned.

Colchester Council cabinet member Mike Lilley said Essex Police has noticed an increase in the number of people flouting the Government’s social distancing regulations to stop the spread of coronavirus over the past few days.

And fears have been raised the situation may worsen during the Easter bank holiday.

There have been reports of 11-a-side football matches being held on playing fields in Shrub End, restrictive tape being ripped off an outdoor gym at the Old Heath Recreation Ground and drivers forcing their way into locked car parks.

Mr Lilley said: “Councillors in Shrub End have reported fully blown football matches taking place.

“There are also children using skateparks and parents having picnics.

“We have a duty of care and we don’t want to shut the parks because they are good places for people to partake in the exercise the Government says we are allowed.

“But we are looking at Good Friday. If people are doing the wrong things then we will shut them.”

Mr Lilley said the ban would include Castle Park, High Woods Country Park, sports fields at Shrub End and Old Heath Rec.

“It is brainless for people to be out playing football.

“They are coming into close contact with people and they will spread it to their families.

“We need to take this seriously.”

Labour councillor Lee Scordis, who represents Old Heath, called for the police to issue fines to people using the equipment.

He said: “This has been happening for the last fortnight and despite signage and even taping off equipment a small minority of people are ignoring the requests.

“I have contacted the police with times the gym and basketball court are being used and I have asked for fines to be issues immediately. No one has any excuse anymore.

“My biggest fear is the council will have no choice but to close local parks.

“I do not want this to happen. During a time when we are only allowed out one hour a day it is vital parks are kept open to protect and mental and physical wellbeing.”