The Vale of Glamorgan Council has responded to concerns about the closure of parks in the local area from residents in Penarth and further afield.

A decision has been made to keep these areas closed in relation to the coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Neil Moore said: ''In line with most other local authority areas in Wales, play areas, gated parks, country parks, and coastal resorts in the Vale of Glamorgan will all remain closed for the foreseeable future.

''I appreciate that many residents would like to see facilities reopened, as has been advised in England, but this is a decision that has to be taken locally and I believe that doing so would undermine all of the work being done to keep us safe.

''This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, and it is one that we will keep under review.

''As a council, we have a responsibility to do all we can to protect not only residents but also our own frontline staff and other key workers in the Vale.

''We simply cannot risk a repeat of the crowds of people gathering in parks and at resorts that were witnessed in early March.

''The risk is particularly great with our coastal resorts and county parks where relaxing the restrictions currently in place could well lead to an influx of visitors from far beyond the Vale, potentially in large numbers.

''We are very fortunate in the Vale that there are a wealth of other spaces that people can use to exercise and I would urge residents to make the most of these and to take the opportunity to explore their local area.

''I would like to take thank you all for respecting this and the many other steps we have had to take in recent weeks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. The national data suggests these measures are starting to have a real effect.

''Finally, and as always, I would also like to thank all of the key workers in the Vale, within the local authority and beyond, particularly those in the care sector who are working on the frontline and doing so much to protect us all at such a challenging time.''

In England, the government advised that these spaces were reopened to members of the public.

Residents in Penarth have recently taken to social media to plea with the council to reopen the spaces.

They have argued that the closure of parks means that people are pushed into other areas for their daily exercise, making social distancing more difficult.

However, others have hit back and argue that they agree with the council's decision.

The following parks are closed:

• Belle Vue Park – Penarth

• Cosmeston Lakes Country Park

• Central Park – Barry

• Bassett Park – Barry

• Porthkerry Country Park

• All Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) are closed