ALL council-owned play areas and parks will be closed until further notice in the fight against coronavirus.

Flintshire, along with many other Councils across Wales, made the decision to shut the enclosed children’s play areas and country parks for which it is responsible from Monday, March 23, until further notice in the interests of public health.

The county council, along with other local and national governments, have become increasingly concerned at the public health risks from the public not practising social distancing in open spaces.

Welsh Government has asked that all councils across Wales review local open space management to help combat the pandemic.

Flintshire Council has requested that other organisations who manage similar open spaces – such as town and community councils - to do the same.

All such play areas and country parks in Flintshire will be closed and secured from later today (Monday, March 23) – with signage erected until further notice.

A spokesman said: "Flintshire County Council is appealing for your co-operation. Please do not attempt to enter these spaces.

"We are following the advice of the national Governments in taking these regrettable actions and would not act in this way if it were not for the serious risk to life."