This is when play areas in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis will be reopening

This is when play areas in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis will be reopening.
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Following the Government announcement that outdoor play areas can reopen from Saturday (July 4), Arun District Council has announced the first phase of its plans to reopen the 80 or so council-run play areas that were closed.

This will begin from early on Saturday, with the following areas:

-Lions Den (Littlehampton)

Parks in Arun will be reopening. Pictured: Linden Park in early March, before the lockdownParks in Arun will be reopening. Pictured: Linden Park in early March, before the lockdown
Parks in Arun will be reopening. Pictured: Linden Park in early March, before the lockdown

-Mewsbrook Park (Littlehampton)

-Mill Road (Arundel)

-West Park (Aldwick)

-Hotham Park (Bognor Regis)

-Play on the Beach (Bognor Regis)

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The remaining parks and play areas will reopen on a phased basis from Monday, July 6.

A council spokesman said: "This is a big job and we thank you in advance for your patience while we do this and ask you to respect the closures until sites are formally reopened.

"Our contractors, Tivoli will be cutting the grass in play area in preparation, however this doesn’t mean sites will be open once cut."

When lockdown began, the grass in the play areas was deliberately left uncut to discourage use, and sites were locked via a combination of cable ties and padlocks, and signs were put up, the council said.

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Councillor Samantha Staniforth, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "I would like a to say a big thank you to all the children in our district who have been abiding by the rules put in place to keep everyone safe and not using our playgrounds for the past few months.

"I know this has been hard and I am sure you are very excited to hear they will be re-opening soon.

"My thanks also go to the parents and families who have had to manage energy levels of children over the past three months - as a mum of four, I know how hard that has been!

“As we begin reopening our play areas we will carry out formal safety inspections so that we can confidently remove locks/cable ties and signage at the appropriate time.

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"Please bear with us, we know you are keen to go and play and we will be working through the various sites as quickly as we are able."

There will be changes to the play areas and how they are used.

Here are the new rules, as set out by the council. New signage will also be put up at the parks.

• Limit your time using the facility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to use it safely.

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• Monitor and take responsibility for your children at all times

• Do not overcrowd play equipment

• Consider taking wipes to clean/sanitise equipment and touch points

• Take your litter home with you

• Avoid eating and drinking in play areas