RESIDENTS have slammed “inconsiderate” children and parents for using parks while they are shut due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Harwich residents took to social media to express their disappointment over parents who have let their children go out in groups and visit parks.

Harwich Town Council recently announced the closure of the skate park, in Wick Lane, Dovercourt, the youth shelter and the putting green in Low Road, Dovercourt, to encourage social distancing in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The decision was taken in order to discourage unnecessary travel and support measures introduced by the Government.

However, some youngsters have disregarded the rules and were reportedly seen in groups at the skate park as well as Cliff Park, in Main Road, Dovercourt, using the playground equipment.

Kete Bowers, of Marine Parade, Dovercourt, said it is a disgrace. He said: “There are some awful people in this town, they have no regard for anything or anybody. They are putting so many lives at risk.”

Nadia Turner, from Dovercourt, said people interpret it as a one form of exercise, but they all seem to think they can exercise wherever they want.

She said: “The mistake this Government is doing at the moment is generalising the once a day exercise rule.

“If this was more specific, like in other countries, where for example there are rules you can stay a maximum of 200 metres from your home, then the message would be a lot clearer to everyone.”

Another resident, who wished to stay anonymous, said: “We will all be in a total lockdown soon, because of ignorant people, who do not understand.”

Fern Jones, from Harwich, said we are going to miss the entire summer, because “parents are letting the kids run feral”.

Other residents have said parents should be fined for allowing their children to use the parks despite them being closed.

Alan Todd, the mayor of Harwich, said everybody is worried about children and groups meeting up and not keeping to social distancing rules. He said: “We’re trying to protect everybody in the town, including them - we are just following Government guidelines.

“I know it’s hard for the parents to keep them in, but they will have to try a bit harder to keep children inside. They are still allowed to go out for exercise but not in groups, so I’d advise everybody to stay at home and follow the Government’s advice.”