TOWN council staff have faced abuse from parents as well as youngsters as they have tried to enforce social distancing rules at the Green Lane skate park.

The ramps in Devizes have been closed since lockdown was announced in March but town clerk Simon Fisher said more and more people now think it is alright to use them.

He said: “We are constantly putting up more fencing and notices but as soon as they go up they are torn down again.

“We were asked by the police to put up more barriers and we have done this but the rules and not being followed.

“It is such a big area that it is impossible to completely close it off. When staff have approached youngsters using the skate park they have not only received abuse from the them but also from their parents who think they are not doing any harm.”

Mr Fisher said that since Boris Johnson eased restrictions last week the problem has become more difficult to control.

He said: “We would urge parents to support us. Children are not necessarily going to be thinking about social distancing.

“It is up to parents to know where their children are and what they are doing.”

But he said that the vast majority of people in Devizes are still obeying the rules and youngsters are not gathering on The Green in warm weather as they usually would.

All play areas are closed but cable ties have been cut on some which has lead to complaints to the town council by those worried about a spread of infection.

He said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure they are not used.” The tennis court at Hillworth Park has been re-opened and can but used by family groups or for singles play.

He said: “It has been very nice to see a lot of families out on bikes.”

Devizes Police are supporting the town council to enforce rules and patrolling the Green Lane area on a regular basis.