Like you, we’re concerned about the high COVID-19 infection rates in Harlow, with the town currently having some of the highest rates in the country.
We also have growing concerns about the number of people who are travelling to, parking and gathering in the town park car parks and within the park itself. This weekend many of the car parks were full to capacity.
We have taken the decision to temporarily shut the following car parks from now which we hope will also deter people from travelling to the park from outside the town:
Showground Car park
First Avenue Car Park
School Lane Car Park
Altham Grove Car Park (access to garages will remain)
There will however still be disabled spaces made available in the Showground and Spurrier’s car parks.
We do not want to discourage anyone from going outside to exercise. However, we need to take steps to ensure that, where we can, people using the Town Park are not driving to the park and potentially gathering.
We want to be clear that you can continue to go to the Town Park for exercise and it is within walking still for many people. Harlow also benefits from having many parks and open spaces which are within walking distance of people’s doorsteps.
The decision to close the car parks will be kept under review.