In line with the government’s new guidelines unveiled last week, Sefton Council has re-opened outdoor tennis and basketball courts.

People wishing to use tennis courts need to book online.

To minimise the chances of infection, the Council’s Green Sefton team is asking visitors to the coast and to parks to take their litter home with them. Although people can visit the coast, these locations are not able to cope with a high level of visitors at this time.

Beach car parks at Ainsdale and Southport will not re-open in the short term and public toilets will also remain closed to ensure social distancing and the safety of cleaning staff that would be required to clean them. All visitors to the coast must adhere to Government strict social distancing guidelines and barbecues are strictly not permitted.

Sefton Council is also asking people to continue being its eyes and ears and to report any large gatherings to the police by dialling 101 or to greensefton@sefton.gov.uk

The guidance says that people can take more outdoor exercise and that outdoor sports facilities, including golf courses can start to open.

Golfers are being asked to remain patient as the council works out measures to ensure the safety of players and staff as courses reopen.

The Government guidance states that people should only use them alone, with members of their household, or with one other person from outside their household, while keeping two metres apart at all times.

The Green Sefton team hopes to have Bootle Golf Course, and Southport Golf Links open during next week (beginning Monday 18th May), and will update people when details are known.

Children’s playgrounds, outdoor gyms, dog areas and pavilions and buildings in parks will remain closed, as will outdoor sport pitches for team games such as football and rugby. However, these can be used for sunbathing and picnics but no barbecues. Bowling greens will also remain closed for the time being.