The Vale of Glamorgan Council reiterated last week that parks would remain closed for the ''foreseeable future'' during the coronavirus lockdown. However, over the hot weekend, it seems that members of the public were less willing to comply with these rules.

Keeping parks shut divided the opinion of local residents when it was announced by the council.

Councils across England are reopening parks and open spaces for local residents to take their daily exercise in areas where it was possible to successfully socially distance.

Cllr Lis Burnett Tweeted on Friday: ''Since the English changes on parks we've had increasing problems with people in Cosmeston who ignore the rangers' requests for them to leave. Much tighter enforcement from today including fines if needed.''

The Vale Council Enforcement team reiterated this statement. They said: ''Please remember Cosmeston Country Park remains closed.

''Enforcement Officers are not here to be abused. If we ask you to leave a park, it is for your safety and that of others.''

Park rangers have also been captured telling those ignoring the rules to leave Cosmeston.

One of the reasons that parks were closed and continue to be is due to the difficulty in policing these areas.

Signs have been placed around the entrances to the park indicating the closure of the park but images on social media show them torn down and removed.

South Wales Police stated how busy they were over the weekend despite the restrictions already in place. They said: ''We're out and about across our communities, but it's impossible for us to be everywhere all the time. We need to rely on others playing their part. We're also still very busy with all sorts of other calls.''

Cllr Neil Moore referenced this when he extended the park lockdown, indicating that they did not want to see a repeat of the traffic they saw to these areas in March.

Some local residents are concerned that closing parks in the local area are leading to greater numbers flocking to coastal areas like Penarth's Esplanade.

One resident said: ''All the closures do is force people to all exercise in the remaining areas so more people in less space! Also, lots are just ignoring the closures anyway.''

Comments from local residents on social media indicated an increase in cars and drivers in the Esplanade area.

South Wales Police said that: ''16 people reported for COVID breaches by Vale NPT today, having travelled to the beaches from as far away as Swindon and Bristol.''

The police also reassured residents that all of those reported will be fined.

Anthony Slaughter, the leader of the Green Party in Wales, has made it clear that he believes parks should reopen. In a Tweet responding to concerns about Cosmeston's closure, he said the areas are: ''Vital to recognise the mental health benefits of access to public green spaces. Many people don't have the luxury of a large garden.''

To read the Vale Council's official statement on the continued closure of parks you can read our article here.