A CAR park at a Ludlow beauty spot that had been open has been closed by Forest England.

The Vinnalls car park in Mortimer Forest had been open but has now been closed in line with national policy.

Forest England has issued guidance.

‘People are allowed one form of exercise a day and the advice is that people stay local and use open spaces near to their home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily.

‘Local people can still walk and cycle to our forests for their daily exercise but must follow government rules on social distancing and not congregate in groups of more than two people other than members of your household.

‘If walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep two metres away from others.

‘We know some local people will still want to drive but we must consider the bigger picture and do what we can to prevent unnecessary travelling and dangerous crowding.

‘Therefore, all Forestry England car parks, toilets, visitor centres, cafes and bike hire businesses are officially closed.’

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow north, has mixed views.

“There is a clear logic to closing toilets, visitor centres and cafes,” he said.

“These are places where people congregate in proximity.

“Closing car parks is more controversial. Forestry England’s action is based on government guidance issued three weeks ago, which seems a long time in the history of this epidemic. That guidance does not mention either driving or car parking.

“A major concern for Forestry England and the police is the honeypot effect.

“If car parks at Mortimer Forest are opened, but they are not opened elsewhere, the agency thinks that people will drive long distances to get to the forest. That would be against the regulations and could lead to overcrowding in beauty spots.