It is good news that the Coronavirus outbreak is well past its peak and on the decline, thanks to everyone’s efforts to stay at home as much as possible over the last couple of months. Social distancing remains important, but it is also important for people’s health and wellbeing to get outdoors to exercise and enjoy the sunshine.
The Government has been working with sports and medical bodies to devise a framework for sports to resume, so long as certain conditions that ensure safety are met. Sports are a big part of our nation’s life, whether it's taking part, watching in person or on television. I welcome that the government are also working hard to get grassroots sport back up and running. While teams can’t compete together yet, the rules on exercise further are being further relaxed, so that from this week we will be able to exercise with up to five others from different households, so long as they remain two metres apart.
I am disappointed that Crawley’s Labour-controlled Borough Council are dragging their heels when it comes to reopening some of our town’s outdoor facilities. Government guidance on outdoor activity was relaxed some weeks ago, but still the car parks at Tilgate Park remain closed, resulting in major parking problems for residents on several of Tilgate's roads.
This is frustrating as people are visiting our parks and green spaces after weeks of lockdown. When I've walked to Tilgate Park, I’ve seen almost all people practicing social distancing. We should trust Crawley people to act sensibly. It is sadly ironic that the Council is losing much income by not opening these car parks, while at the same time being concerned about the impact of the outbreak on its finances.
Government guidance is clear about outdoor exercise and yet the Council also won't reopen our outdoor tennis courts, unlike all our neighbouring Councils who have. Local residents wanting to exercise can play tennis in Horsham, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Redhill, but not here in Crawley. This is a real shame during this good weather and urgently needs rethinking.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
3rd June 2020