NO plans are currently in place to close any of the city's parks as part of stricter measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Worcester City Council has already closed its play areas as part of social distancing measures but said it has no plans to completely close parks.

Council bosses in Wychavon and Malvern Hills have also said no plans are in place to close parks.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils may "reluctantly" be forced to close parks if people keep flouting social distancing measures.

Housing and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said he had called local leaders to warn them to be "very judicious" in locking open spaces and called on councils to take a sensible approach.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: “There are no current plans to close parks in Worcester, although play areas are closed across the city.”

Council bosses at Wychavon and Malvern also said it had no immediate plans to close any of its "much-loved" parks and the councils would continue to follow government guidance.

Jack Hegarty, chief executive at Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils, said: “We are closely following government guidelines in order to help reduce the spread of the virus.

"The latest guidance states councils do not need to close parks unless it is impossible to maintain social distancing.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and have had no issues regarding high levels of use in our parks.

"Our parks are much-loved by our residents and are a great way of getting physical exercise and improving wellbeing.

"We are reminding residents to stay at home and if they do go out, to adhere to social distancing measures."

One London council closed a park over the weekend after reporting thousands of visitors flocking to it to enjoy the sunny weather.

The closure of some spaces especially in built-up areas had sparked concerns that public confidence could be lost if those in power with gardens and ample living space tell others who live in crowded conditions they cannot go to the park or exercise outdoors.

Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council have already closed play areas as part of measures to promote social distancing.