PLAY areas in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley will reopen this Saturday (July 18) with new rules in place.

Wyre forest District Council made the announcement on Tuesday that its play areas will be reopening this weekend, but warned visitors to follow social distancing guidelines.

A council spokesman said: "Our play areas will reopen on Saturday, July 18.

"When you visit our play areas, please follow the government’s coronavirus guidelines and stay safe.

"We will make a further announcement on the reopening of paddling pools and the splashpad in Brinton Park shortly.

"Please help us keep the district a safe, clean and green environment by taking your litter home."

Signs going up in all council-managed playgrounds will ask visitors to abide by the following rules:

• All children must be supervised by a responsible adult

• Make sure you are social distancing

• Bring your own hand sanitiser and make sure your child uses it before and after using the play area

• If the play area is busy, wait until there are fewer children using it or come back later

• Do not consume food or drink in the play area

The play areas run by the council include Riverside Meadows and Britannia Gardens in Stourport, Riverside Meadows and Wyre Hill in Bewdley, and Brinton Park, St George's Park, Baxter Gardens, Springfield Park, White Wickets, Forester Way, Heronswood Road, Marlpool Lane, Willowfield Drive, and Jerusalem Walk in Kidderminster.

All play areas will be cleaned on a daily basis.