Oswestry Town Council says its decision to close Cae Glas Park during the coronavirus pandemic will be under constant review, but accepted the move has proved to be ‘unpopular’.

The park has been closed since Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the United Kingdom into lockdown, restricting peoples’ movements to try to help bring a swifter end to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Oswestry mayor, Councillor John Price, informed the public, through the council, the park remains closed, which has garnered some support on social media, while other residents are disappointed at the lack of opportunity to exercise.

He said: “The council has taken their responsibilities seriously throughout the pandemic and that included the unpopular decision to close the park.

“Like all decisions this has been under review and has continued to be so on a daily basis.

“If the park is opened it will be for a limited time, with restricted access for exercise and monitored.

“Cae Glas Park will remain closed and the decision will be kept under regular review.”

The park is managed and maintained by an external company called Greenfingers.

One resident, Paula Jones, contacted The Advertizer to ask why the park cannot be re-opened.

She said: “As I understand it the government has requested that parks remain open where possible. The closure of the above park is draconian and no action has been taken to address this issue.

“I’m wondering why it could not be open for several hours in the morning, allowing our residents to take in some fresh air and the beauty of the park. Surely with some signage e.g. no bikes, scooters or games allowed.

“Ask for volunteers to assist in maintaining distance then this could be possible. If this does not work and residents don’t comply then at least we tried.

“I have an elderly dog and at present the church yard is my only option but now I’m finding people are throwing bread around which makes his walk even shorter.”

On the council’s Facebook page, residents labelled the move as a ‘very sensible decision’ and praised the council for listening to residents in the town who support its closure.