KIRKLEES Council is looking at ways of blocking access to a car park at Oakwell Hall in Birstall to deter people travelling distances to exercise or walk their dogs.

The authority confirmed that it had closed car parks at many of its parks last week, but those without gates were proving more difficult to block off.

It follows the police issuing warning letters to people driving to Oakwell Hall amid the Government lockdown due to the coronavirus epidemic.

They were told they risked a £60 if their car was found there again during the lockdown.

Councillor Rob Walker, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, at Kirklees Council, said: "In order to discourage people from travelling to visit our parks, we have where possible closed our car parks.

"We are currently looking into options to block access to those without gates, such as the bottom car park at Oakwell Hall.

"We will also be putting up additional signs to remind people about social distancing.

"We would like to remind people that their daily exercise should be taken close to home, on their own or with members of their household, and that they should stay 2 metres apart at all times.

"It's also really important to wash or sanitise your hands as soon as possible after visiting a park or public space."

Bradford Council announced at the end of last week that it was closing a number of beauty spot car parks, to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

The Council issued a list of car parks which are now closed, to reinforce the message that "travel to exercise is not essential travel".