The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced that they will be shutting public areas in Penarth and across the Vale to support social distancing from tomorrow.

To support social distancing the following will be closed from Tuesday 24 March:

• Penarth Pier

• Cosmeston and Porthkerry Country Parks car parks

• All Gated Parks - Alexandra Park, Belle Vue Park, Victoria Park

• Barry Island car parks

• All Council-owned beach car parks

• Play areas

• Public toilets

• Beach Huts (If you have an annual permit, you will only be charged the pro-rata amount)

• Paget Road and Friars Road to be closed for parking - Access only.

This is the latest update in the closure of public spaces after a weekend of crowds and visitors descended on open-air spaces during the social distancing period.

This will include country parks as well as other parks, play areas, car parks, coastal resorts, public conveniences and more.

Such action is necessary to stop the spread of the disease, particularly after a weekend in which many of these locations attracted a large number of visitors.

The UK Government has advised everyone to practice social distancing by remaining at least two metres away from others and it is hoped these measures will encourage such behaviour.

From the end of the day, Porthkerry and Cosmeston country parks and their car parks will be closed, all gated parks will be locked and other parks or play areas taped off with signs on display emphasising the need for social distancing.

All coastal car parks will also be closed, and at Barry Island an emergency 'access only' road closure order will be introduced to prevent public parking for a period on part of Paget Road, some of Station Approach Road and Friars Road.

The beach huts will also now close with those awarded this year's annual permits advised that their allocations will now be put on hold. Signs will be put in place and regular announcements made over the public address system to inform people of the situation.

Penarth Pier is also to close along with all slipways and public toilets in the Vale.

Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "I take no pleasure in imposing such extreme measures, but unfortunately they are absolutely necessary at this critical time. Everyone has a responsibility to do all they can to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and that means staying indoors as much as possible and avoiding contact with others.

"Despite the UK Government's advice to avoid large social gatherings, Barry Island and other locations in the Vale saw a large number of visitors over the weekend.

''Such behaviour is grossly irresponsible and risks making an already serious situation even worse. That is why I felt we had to take action.

"In the strongest possible terms, I would urge everyone to follow expert advice and only go outside if absolutely necessary, for essentials such as food, medical supplies or a brief period of exercise.

''Even then, it is important to practice social distancing and stay at least two metres away from others. This should be accompanied by regular hand washing. It is vitally important that each individual takes the current threat seriously and strictly observes this guidance as not doing so could cost lives."