Most children's playgrounds across Hertsmere reopened over the weekend after Covid-19 measures were eased by the government.

All of the parks and play areas except three are open because some playgrounds have been vandalised.

Meadow Park and Brook Meadow in Borehamwood, and Composers Park in Elstree, are closed because of vandalism and the council says it is not safe to reopen them at this time.

Hertsmere Borough Council has also warned some equipment in parks and play areas that have reopened may be out of bounds for health and safety reasons.

How you can keep safe if visiting a playground

Where people can go, the council has put up signage to help people act and behave as safely as responsible as they can.

The council has issued the following advice:

  • Follow the current social distance guidelines when visiting and encourage your children to do the same.
  • If the playground is busy, consider coming back at a later time. Talk to your children about this possibility before visiting.
  • Wash yours and your children’s hands before and after visiting.
  • Take hand sanitiser with you and consider taking a bottle of water for if your children’s hands get covered in mud. Ensure your children are using hand sanitiser frequently.
  • Follow and adhere to all current government advice in addition to the above guidance.

Borehamwood Times:

The playground at Meadow Park has to remain closed for now

Councillor Seamus Quilty, responsible for the environment in Hertsmere, said: "I’m absolutely delighted we can welcome families back to our playgrounds.

"We want Hertsmere’s children back in our much-loved playgrounds and finally allow them to burn off some of the energy after all that time indoors. I know how eager many residents are to use our popular outdoor gyms as well.

"Unfortunately, the actions of a few people who removed signs, broke into playgrounds, littered and, in some cases, caused deliberate damage to play equipment, have meant we are delayed in reopening three of our playgrounds.

"We are working hard to ensure that we can open these remaining playgrounds safely and as soon as possible. We will keep residents updated through our website and social media channels.”

"There has been a tremendous amount of work carried out by our parks officers and contractors to enable our parks and outdoor gyms to reopen, so I’d like to thank them for their efforts."