The councillor responsible for Swindon’s parks said he would shut Coate Water “with a heavy heart” if it’s asked of the borough council by the police.

Coun Dale Heenan’s comments followed concerns raised by the owners of the Coate Water Café about a lack of social distancing at the country park over this weekend.

Police were said to have twice spoken to café staff on Sunday to express their concerns about social distancing in the park and the takeaway’s queue.

Reacting to the concerns, Coun Heenan this morning gave the clearest sign yet that the park could shut – if police requested the move.

READ MORE: Coate Water Cafe could close after visitors break lockdown rules

He told BBC Radio Wiltshire: “It will be a minority of people who are abusing the social distancing rules and we don’t want to close the parks but if that’s what the police will advise if it continues then that is something we will have to do with a heavy heart.

“We’ve all got to take a personal responsibility to keep safe, follow the rules and stay two metres apart and it’s really quite simple things when you’re in a country park. You can just step to one side if people are trying to get past. Just be respectful of that; it’s not difficult.”

The coronavirus regulations allow people to leave their home for essential work, shopping, exercise or to escape violence or harm.

Guidance says people may exercise alone, with one other person or with their household or support bubble. Exercise should be limited to once a day and people should not travel outside of their local area.