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People are now banned from parking near a popular walking spot after too many were flocking from miles around.

The move comes as Trafford Council attempts to ensure people restrict their movements as part of the UK-wide lockdown during the coronavirus outbreak.

Sale Water Park, an area of countryside, parkland and a lake, normally attracts hundreds of people every day but council bosses want to restrict visitors to nearby residents who can walk there to exercise.

Now, after too many people have been using the site, drivers will not be allowed to park their vehicles on Old Hall Road, Sale Park, from Friday April 10.

Last weekend, police were called out to deal with "numerous" drivers who flouted restrictions to park under the nearby M60 bridge to visit the country park.

TfGM have also shut the Sale Water Park and Ride.

Now, Trafford Council’s temporary prohibition of waiting notice will be in place from the junction of Dane Road to the junction of Rifle Road and will be enforced by parking officers.

Anyone parking there from tomorrow (Friday April 10) faces being fined.

The notice has been brought in to ensure people restrict their movements.

Government guidelines state people should only exercise near their homes to restrict the spread of the virus.

Anyone out walking should remain at least two metres away from anyone not in their household.

The restrictions have been brought in to ease the burden on the NHS, to save lives and to protect vulnerable residents.

Coun Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s executive member for environment, said: “The sun may be out but people really do need to follow the restrictions on where they can exercise.

“It is no good clapping to show our appreciation for our health workers if our behaviour puts more people at risk.

“The vast majority of people are doing their best to follow the restrictions but we need everyone to do their bit.”

Posted: 2020-04-09 11:30:14