Visitors to Derbyshire County Council’s countryside sites and parks are being urged to take litter home with them.
This message comes following a significant increase in the amount of litter left at countryside sites and parks over the bank holiday weekend, which has been higher than normal busy periods.
The council is also reminding residents that barbecues across all its sites are not permitted particularly during periods of warm weather where there is an increased risk of fire.
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Simon Spencer said: “It is vitally important that visitors use our sites responsibly and take their litter home with them. Regrettably littering has increased since lockdown restrictions have been eased with our staff spending considerable time picking up litter left by visitors.
“This impacts upon staffs’ ability to support visitors and deal with other issues such as essential site duties and responding to reports of lost children.
“Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites and we’d like to remind residents that you should only spend time in our parks with your household or one other person outside your household whilst maintaining social distancing rules.
“We’re disappointed to report a number of unauthorised gatherings, this puts people at risk and does not help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We’d like to thank visitors who are social distancing, making good use of the space available and using our sites responsibly. It is important everyone takes extra care and this includes limiting your use of narrow trails and towpaths that impact the two metre guidance.”
Visitors are also being reminded to not use council sites if car parks are full and are being warned against unauthorised parking.
Councillor Spencer added: “Visitors should pay attention to signage around our sites including signs that indicate our car park is full. Ignoring these signs causes congestion for other park users and in some instances puts other people in danger.”
For more information on Derbyshire County Council countryside sites and parks visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countrysidesites