The Vale of Glamorgan Council has urged Penarth residents and those across the area to follow national advice and avoid public spaces over the Easter period.

Warm weather and a bank holiday weekend might mean some people are tempted to visit the coast, parks and other outdoor areas, breaking the restrictions currently in place.

Temporary signage has been put around Penarth to encourage residents to not take unnecessary journeys:

- Marconi Avenue, Penarth Marina, at the exit off Tesco roundabout

- Portway, Penarth Marina at the exit off Tesco roundabout

- Top of Paget Road into Penarth Marina (Paget Hill)

But Council Leader Neil Moore has sent out a strong message that such behaviour is not acceptable as the country continues to battle Coronavirus.

This Easter, instead of breaking the 'stay at home' restrictions, the Council is promoting a range of activities through our social media channels and website that can be done indoors to keep the whole family entertained.

These include organising your own Easter egg hunt instead of attending the one usually hosted at Porthkerry Country Park. We are also sharing indoor play activities and home workout videos to stay fit inside.

In line with the rest of Wales, the Council has closed all parks and public spaces, including play areas, country parks and coastal resorts until further notice in an effort to stop the virus spreading.

This action was taken because instead of staying safe and staying at home, some people were using these places irresponsibly by gathering in large numbers and disobeying guidance about social distancing.

It is also important we stay inside to protect the key workers still operating in our communities who continue to provide the services on which we rely. These include care workers looking after some of the Vale's most vulnerable residents.

The UK Government has indicated that people should remain indoors unless they are shopping for essentials such as food or collecting medicine.

Going outside for exercise or to walk a dog once a day is permitted, but residents should not be driving to carry out such activity.

Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "Coronavirus continues to present a very real threat to the entire country so it's important people follow UK Government guidance.

"While the vast majority of residents are behaving responsibly and abiding by the restrictions, a minority are not and continue to visit open spaces in the Vale, particularly country parks, often driving to get there.

"Let me make it clear in no uncertain terms – this is not acceptable and there are penalties in place for those that break the rules. We have car-mounted public address systems that will be patrolling to disperse gatherings. We will also be working with the police who can fine those who do not comply.

"I appreciate how unpalatable these restrictions are but it's important we stick to them not only to protect ourselves but also the key workers that perform critical tasks in our communities.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of those key workers, who continue to provide important services here within this Council and also those in the care and health sector, the emergency services and those on whom we all rely upon in this time of crisis.

"These measures have been put in place to slow the rate of new infections. The more we abide by them the more we achieve that and the quicker they can be lifted and we can get back to normal.

"As we can't go outside, the Council has put together a range of indoor activities to help keep people occupied over the weekend. Please visit the website for more information."