PLANS to introduce parking charges at two Bradford Council locations have been paused due to Coronavirus.

Controversial parking charges were due to be introduced at St Ives estate in Bingley and Ilkley Lido from April 1.

In the past few days the proposals came under even further criticism, as groups such the National Trust waiving entry fees on many of their parks and gardens to allow people to enjoy the outdoors while social distancing.

Simon Cooke, former Conservative Group leader on the Council, today Tweeted Council Chief Executive Kersten England to say: "What's with ramming the St Ives parking charges through at a time when outdoor spaces are precious - and National Trust, RHS and RSPB are making their spaces free?

"Surely y'all can delay?"

Later in the day, the Council announced that this charging will now be put on pause.

Grants to bring art and culture to the homes of those self isolating

A statement from the Council said: "To allow people who are not self isolating to get out and enjoy some fresh air and to exercise, the council is where ever possible, keeping its parks, woodlands, rights of ways, moorlands, recreation grounds, play areas and other public green spaces open.

"Those using these areas should heed government advice on social distancing and continue to maintain good hand hygiene. Anyone who suspects they may have coronavirus or who may have been in contact with someone who has, are asked to respect others and self isolate at home.

"Parents are being reminded that play areas and play equipment are not disinfected and people should take precautions, such as, using hand sanitiser and avoid face touching if using play equipment.

"Where there are public toilets, changing rooms and pavilions in parks, people are advised to bring toilet tissue, gel or soap as these cannot be guaranteed.

"The council is no longer giving permission for organised events and activities in public spaces and they are working with event organisers on postponing or cancelling any up coming events.

"Ice cream vans and other catering trailers in parks will remain open for the time being and again everyone is being asked to heed government advice about hand hygiene and social distancing.

"Two Bradford Council sites, St Ives, Bingley and Ilkley Lido were scheduled to begin charging for car parking during 2020, this will be postponed for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

"As all council-run museums and galleries and sport and leisure services including pools are currently closed, these services are looking at ways they can continue to support people via their online and social media content.

"The council’s Sport and Leisure Service has been working with partners Les Mills and has secured access to a temporary website that allows free access to over 100 online workouts for people to follow.

"These workouts offer something for everyone including high intensity interval training, dance fitness, Body Combat, mindfulness practices, children’s workouts and sessions for new mothers.

"The Council’s Sport and Leisure Service will be also devising some workouts for people to do at home. Anyone who is interested in these or the Les Mills programmes can email onlinebookingenquiries@bradford.gov.uk.

"The Council’s Museums and Galleries Service have an online virtual tour of Cliffe Castle Museum to allow people to discover all about the former home of Victorian millionaire and textile manufacturer, Henry Isaac Butterfield.

"People can also spend time exploring over 17,000 images of people and places from the district’s past, via the council’s online Museums and Galleries Photo Archive. Many of these photos have been used in exhibitions so there are also four exhibition collections for people to discover online.

"All Bradford Council managed libraries will only open from 10am to 2pm (Monday to Saturday) from Monday (23 March), some volunteer run libraries are now closed until further notice.

"People who can’t get to a library or whose library has now closed, can still access thousands of free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers via the council’s website at www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries. Anyone who is not already a library member can also join online.

"People are being encouraged to sign up for email alerts from the council by visiting www.bradford.gov.uk. Those who are on social media should follow @BradfordMDC, @BradfordMuseums , @BradDistParks and @Bradfordlibs247. These social media accounts will be sharing information, stories and ideas to help support people in the coming weeks."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “During the coming weeks it will be increasingly vital for everyone, especially for those who are self isolating, to try and keep active in both body and mind.

"This is why our museums and galleries, our libraries and our sport and leisure services staff are working on online and social media content.

“We realise that our green spaces are important for those who are not self isolating, so we will try to keep them open for as long as we possibly can.

“During this unprecedented and uncertain time we will continue to follow Government advice, but as the situation is continually changing please keep checking trusted sources, such as government, NHS and Council websites, for updated information.

"The wellbeing of our residents, visitors, our staff and volunteers remains our top concern and please be assured that we are working hard to keep vital services delivering.  We will get through this.”