Visitors To Commons Asked For Consideration
Putney & Wimbledon awash with visitors not adhering to social distancing guidelines
image: Andrew Wilson - empty Putney Common a view of the past!
Visitors to Wimbledon and Putney Commons have been asked to ‘be considerate’ in the time of the coronavirus pandemic. The 1,140 acre commons are made up of Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common.
A message from the park conservators, posted online today, Tuesday (March 24) announced that all car parks will now close to the public.
It read: “Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators are very much aware that during this extraordinary period, the ability to get out and spend even a short time in the spring sunshine is vital for health and well-being.
“This past weekend unfortunately saw the Commons, as with many other open spaces across the country, awash with visitors not all of whom adhered to the social distancing guidelines to keep two metres apart.”
Following the government’s announcement on Monday night asking people to restrict their movements all car parks at the commons will close from 7pm today (Tuesday, March 24).
The public toilets will also be closed although the disabled toilet will still be accessible to those with a Radar key.
And all play at Wimbledon Golf Club has now been suspended. On Sunday (March 22) a statement on the club website gave advice for people visiting the commons. It read: “Remember to keep a distance of at least two metres from other people and don’t be offended if other people keep two metres from you, they are keeping safe.
“The Commons are a large open space, but entrances and car parks are extremely busy. Please be considerate of others.”
All events planned at the park in the next six weeks or so have been cancelled, this includes the spring walk with staff and the children’s Easter egg hunt.
Events held by other organisations including ParkRun have also been cancelled for the time being.
The Wimbledon Windmill and the tea rooms are now closed until further notice too.
Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter
March 25, 2020