PLAY areas in Stroud have been closed off in response to the coronavirus outbreak – but parks remain open for now.

In a statement, Stroud Town Council said: "In order to help tackle the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus), we have taken the decision to close all of the play areas within our parks with immediate effect.

"The parks will remain open to allow people who are not self-isolating to get some fresh air and exercise, but we would urge people to follow government advice on social distancing."