HELP is being provided for people in the district to remain active during the coronavirus crisis.

Bradford Council says that wherever possible it is keeping its parks, woodlands, rights of way, moorlands, recreation grounds, play areas and other public green spaces open, so those not self-isolating can get out and about and exercise.

But it stresses that people using the areas should heed Government advice on social distancing and maintain good hand hygiene.

Play areas and equipment are not disinfected so people should take precautions, such as using hand sanitiser and avoiding face touching if using play equipment.

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

Plans to begin charging for car parking at the St Ives estate, Harden, have been postponed for the duration of the coronavirus emergency.

With all council-run museums, galleries and sport and leisure services – including swimming pools – currently closed, the authority is examining ways in which it can continue to support people via online and social media content.

The council’s sport and leisure service, working with partner Les Mills, has secured use of a temporary website which allows free access to over 100 online workouts for people to follow. The workouts include high-intensity interval training, dance fitness, Body Combat, mindfulness practices, children’s workouts and sessions for new mothers. For more details e-mail onlinebookingenquiries@bradford.gov.uk.

The museums and galleries service has set-up an online virtual tour of Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley to allow people to discover more about the former home of the 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 an online photo archive.

All Bradford Council-managed libraries are now only open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Saturday. Some volunteer-run libraries are closed until further notice.

People who can’t get to a library or whose library has closed can access thousands of free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers via bradford.gov.uk/libraries. Anyone not already a library member can join online.

The council is encouraging people to sign-up for e-mail alerts by visiting bradford.gov.uk. Social media users can follow @BradfordMDC, @BradfordMuseums, @BradDistParks and @Bradfordlibs247.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, said: “During the coming weeks it will be increasingly vital for everyone, especially those who are self isolating, to try to keep active in both body and mind. This is why our museums and galleries, libraries and 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, 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."