OSWESTRY Town Council has confirmed it will re-open Cae Glas Park from Tuesday after changes to government advice on public space.

The move comes after a statement made by Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick over the weekend, despite last week's announcement that Cae Glas Park would remain closed – a move which received public support.

But Councillor John Price, mayor of Oswestry, said the council's decision to change its mind was borne out of the firm government advice that parks should remain open for exercise.

“The minister made clear in his statement on Saturday that parks should be open," said Cllr Price.

"The initial decision to close the park was taken considering a range of risks, in order to support the government’s 'Stay at Home' policy and in reaction to concerns regarding congregation.

"The decision has been regularly reviewed but the government statement was a clear instruction to councils who have closed parks to re-open them.”

Town clerk, Arren Roberts, added: “Cae Glas Park will be open again from Tuesday for essential exercise.

"We will implement some requirements to help maintain social distancing. Access will be restricted to the two widest entrances (Welsh Walls entrance and Church Street), with shorter opening hours of 9am until 5pm, daily, with clear signage setting out distancing requirements and it will be monitored on a daily basis.

"As with similar facilities in local authority care the playground, toilets and sports facilities will be shut, benches have been taped off and we are asking the public to maintain social distancing.”

However, Cllr Price aimed a warning shot at any groups or individuals that are planning to not follow social distancing guidelines.

He added: “We are following the government’s direction but we will monitor the situation on a daily basis and will have to considering closing the park again should we find groups of people congregating and people not complying with the social distancing rules – the responsibility lies with the public.

"Please use the park to exercise, not to congregate, it is looking at its best at present and people will benefit from it being open but we will close it again if we have to.”