VISITORS have been urged to leave Covid-19 health and safety signs in place, as park areas across Shaftesbury reopen.

After an inspection of equipped play areas in the town, Shaftesbury Town Council confirmed last week that these sites are now “safe and ready for use”.

Some signs that were put up to provide the most recent social distancing guidelines however were removed within 24 hours of installation.

The council said: “Sadly, within 24 hours of these signs being put in place, they have been removed.

“These are placed for your protection, to remind you of your responsibilities and to help us to keep you safe.

“Please leave signs in place and behave responsibly.”

The signs provided the public with social distancing and health guidelines, including reminders to wash hands before and after each session, do not bring food and drink onsite, maintain a two-metre distance, and if a play area is busy come back at another time.

Outdoor gyms, parks and playgrounds were given the green light to reopen in the latest lift of lockdown measures.