Popular Leeds park one of just seven to have reopened in city according to MP

Bramley Park has been reopened to families and visitors after its closure since the start of lockdown.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves welcomed the reopening 'for children to enjoy during the summer'.

> Coronavirus outbreak at new Wakefield bar Truth as eight staff members test positiveFrom July 15, Leeds Council started to reopen sites including the playground at the Arium, two at Roundhay Park and the playground at Temple Newsam.

The council said the reopening programme was being done gradually to ensure they meet the requirements set out in government guidelines around cleaning and social distancing before they can be re-opened safely, the council said.

However, Rachel Reeves MP said she would 'continue to push Leeds Council' to reopen more playgrounds to support local families and children 'who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces again'.

Just seven out of at least 200 have been reopened according to the MP.

> Terror alert on train between Leeds and Wakefield after passenger told conductor he had a bomb in his bagIn a statement on social media, she said: "I welcome the reopening of the playground in Bramley Park for children to enjoy during the summer.

"I know that it has been challenging for many parents, families and individuals across Leeds West who have been without a green space during the pandemic and have wanted to enjoy their local parks.

"When making the most of our local facilities, please do ensure that you are following social distancing guidelines and sanitising your hands often to ensure that we can continue to enjoy our community assets safely.

"Unfortunately, only seven out of two hundred parks have now reopened in Leeds, and playgrounds in key areas such as Armley are still out of bounds.

"I will continue to push Leeds City Council to reopen more playgrounds to support local families and children who want to enjoy their outdoor spaces again."

Speaking at the time of the reopening scheme, Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and active lifestyles said: “It is fantastic that we are able to open some of our play areas again. I would like to thank all the parents and children for being patient.

"It has been very difficult but we need to keep everyone safe and help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We are grateful for your continued patience as we work towards making sure the equipment is cleaned and safe for use in line with government guidance.

“We ask the public to remain responsible, stay socially distant, and both adults and children need to follow good hygiene practices to ensure the play areas can be enjoyed by everyone.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins