Eight play areas will re-open at borough parks from today for children to enjoy over the school summer holidays.

Playgrounds at Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge, Priory Park, Wordsley Park, Stevens Park in Quarry Bank, Leasowes Park and Huntingtree Park in Halesowen, Silver Jubilee Park in Coseley and Netherton Park will be available again from this morning.

Signs will be up on site advising parents of precautions to take to ensure safety while children are using the play equipment. Outdoor gyms which are in place at the eight parks will also be re-opening. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said:

"I’m pleased to announce we will be able to open play areas and gyms at eight of our parks from this weekend. It’s great news for parents who will be looking for things to keep their children occupied over the long summer holidays.

"Safety is still critical - we would urge parents and users to follow the appropriate guidance clearly signposted at parks to ensure social distancing is maintained to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

"We are currently reviewing the situation at other parks across the borough and will also look to re-open play areas and gyms there as soon as we can safely do so."

Council bosses are striving to open an additional 10 play areas the following weekend, on Saturday 1st August. They include; Cot Lane, Abbey Street (Lower Gornal), Buffery Park and Grange Park, Wollescote Park, Sedgley Hall Farm Park, Hurst Green, Homer Hill (Cradley), Clayton Park (Coseley) and School Drive. The opening date for those parks will be confirmed as soon as possible on the council’s website.

Play areas and outdoor gyms have been sealed off since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.