The leader of the council, Patrick Harley, has ordered the immediate closure of a Quarry Bank park following reports of “mindless” groups of people gathering at the open space.

Stevens Park will be closed for an initial period of 48 hours from today (Wednesday), with the closure will be reviewed after that.

Dudley Council has received several reports about groups of people gathering at the site flouting the rules in the recent warm weather. Government rules are very clear that people should only head outdoors for essential reasons such as exercise, but must still follow social distancing restrictions.

The leader of the council has received reports about people ignoring the rules about remaining two metres apart at all times. The gates of the park are now locked and signs have been installed to let people know. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"The people who flout these rules are mindless and put everyone at risk. I said before that if people ignored the rules we would have no other option but to close the parks – which impacts people’s lives further.

"We simply cannot have people gathering in large groups – it puts themselves at risk and others and will also impact on our NHS who are working flat out to tackle this terrible virus.

"Thankfully the vast majority of people are doing their bit to help and staying indoors but I am sick and tired of others who seemingly go out of their way to help spread this virus.

"This closure of one of our parks is not taken lightly. People need to stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS. If they don’t other parks will follow.”

Other parks in the borough currently remain open as normal, but government advice says that people should only head outdoors if it is essential - such as one form of daily exercise.

People must carry out social distancing at all times and remain at least two metres apart from others.