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Bradgate Park bosses have taken the "unprecedented" decision to close the attraction until further notice, together with neighbouring Swithland Wood, to ward off the public amid the coronavirus crisis.

The historic park was inundated with visitors on Saturday, according to the trust which runs it, as people sought relief from self-isolation and to get some fresh air with their families.

Councillor Nick Rushton, chairman of the Bradgate Park Trust, said: "We have closed the car parks and locked the gates. Bradgate Park is now closed until further notice.

"It's an unprecedented move but a necessary one. You would think that going out and getting some fresh air in a public park would be fine at this time, but then again they've had to close Bondi Beach in Australia."

In a statement published on its social media channels, the trust said: "Following how busy we were yesterday and the advice on social distancing we, like others, have had to make the difficult decision to close Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood car parks.

"Please note the Bradgate Park Trust tearooms, shop, visitor centre and all car parks and toilets are now closed until further notice.

"This is to help the nation fight the spread of the coronavirus and will be reviewed subject to daily briefings and advice from the Government."

(Image: Becky Jones)

Park rangers were busy implementing the closures this morning, meaning Mothering Sunday visitors will not be able to gain entry to the parks and woods.

The decision was taken together with Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who is deputy chairman of the trust.

Coun Rushton, who is also leader of Leicestershire County Council, added: "The problem we had is everyone was using and touching the same parking meter machines and that sort of thing, which isn't advisable in the current circumstances.

"People also tend to keep to the paved paths, which were akin to Oxford Street yesterday.

"The decision we've taken is unprecedented but ultimately in everyone's interest."

The trust had told visitors on Thursday that the park would remain open, including its toilets and car parks, to "allow people to enjoy open space, if appropriate, during the pandemic".

The change in policy was in reaction to the latest government social distancing guidance due to the large numbers of visitors seen on Saturday.

County Hall also announced today that it has closed all country parks it runs in the county, including Beacon Hill.

It comes as warnings were also issued today for people to stay away from coastal resorts such as Skegness and Mablethorpe, after they experienced a large influx of visitors on Saturday.

The Bradgate Park Trust is a charity and relies on its income from car parks to sustain the provision of open access to its publicly accessibly land at Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods.

All guided walks and indoor talks up to the end of April were also postponed last week, and volunteering opportunities cancelled until the same date, subject to review.