Wiltshire residents urged to think carefully where they do their daily exercise
Plea to people to 'jog on' if an area is too busy
Last updated 25th Jan 2021
Residents have raised concerns about large numbers of people at some of Wiltshire's beauty spots and popular areas and the council is encouraging people to be sensible when out and about and enjoying their daily exercise.
The national lockdown stay at home rules state that people should minimise time spent outside their home, but can leave home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and people should not travel outside their local area.
You are however allowed to drive _'a short distance within your area' t_o exercise.
People can exercise in a public outdoor place:
- on their own
- with the people they live with
- with their support bubble (if they are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- or, when on their own, with one person from another household
Terence Herbert, Chief Executive, Wiltshire Council, said:
"It's important for people to understand that their actions have a knock on effect to the community. We know that this is a difficult time and the vast majority of people across Wiltshire are doing a fantastic job in adhering to the guidelines through staying at home, not seeing family and friends, wearing face masks and washing their hands."
"All that we're asking is that people are sensible about where they get their exercise. The beauty spots across Wiltshire that we all know and love aren't going anywhere so for now please jog on and explore what's outside your front door."
"Hopefully it won't be too long before we can visit our favourite spots again but in the meantime we need people to follow the guidance and keep each other as safe as possible."
SALISBURY PLAIN
Meanwhile officials say the Salisbury Plain Training Area should only be used for exercise by people who are local.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation says that means those who live on the edge of the SPTA not residents from Andover.
The MOD Police have been and will continue to be out to enforce the rules and will be issuing fixed penalty notices, where appropriate.