Coronavirus: Rutland Water closed to limit spread of infection and Anglian Water Music Festival postponed to 2021
Anglian Water has closed Rutland Water to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The water firm had said on Friday that it would be kept open to give people access to the outdoors and gave free car parking. But after visitors flocked to the reservoir over the weekend, Anglian Water decided to close.
It comes as McDonald's decided to close all UK branches.
Anglian Water Music Festival, which has been due to take place in June, has been postponed until next year.
Jake Williams, head of parks and conservation at Anglian Water, said: "We've sadly made the decision to close all of our water parks to the public with immediate effect to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
"We had hoped to keep our green spaces open, but the wellbeing and safety of our customers, visitors and colleagues is the most important thing at this time.
"All events at our parks will be cancelled until the beginning of June and the Anglian Water Music Festival will be postponed until next year. We will be reviewing this on a three-month basis as current advice is updated.
"We recognise that some people may really struggle financially during these uncertain times. For our visitors, who have fishing season tickets, parking permits or festival tickets, we are working to find solution to address this. Please bear with us, as we want to ensure any changes or refunds can be processed as easily as possible. We will be in touch with you as soon as we can with further details.
"We would encourage everybody to follow the Government's advice to social distance and not travel wherever possible to protect the most vulnerable in our communities."
Rutland County Council leader Oliver Hemsley (Con) said it was the "right decision".
He said: “We support Anglian Water’s decision to close Rutland Water parks in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the right decision given the severity of the current situation. The government is advising people against any unnecessary contact and interaction with others. This guidance on social distancing applies even if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms and is important to help protect the vulnerable by reducing transmission of the virus.”
Normanton Church posted on its Facebook page that the building would be illuminated each evening as a message of thanks to NHS workers.
The post said: "As a symbol of solidarity, a beacon of hope and a thank you to all our NHS and frontline workers during these unprecedented times, Normanton Church will be illuminated each evening to shine a light on all that you do.
"We hope that this beacon of light will serve as a reminder that we are a strong and united community who can provide support to those that need it.
"Stay strong."