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22
Apr 2020
Signs have been put up in the Valley Gardens telling people not to sit on benches in order to protect themselves from coronavirus.
The sign says:
"You are much safer resting at home after exercising. To protect yourself and others from the coronavirus please don't sit down and rest on the benches or in the park. Help keep everyone safe."
Mr Meyrick said he walks daily in the Valley Gardens and has never seen anyone failing to follow the social distancing guidelines. Most of those using benches are older, while younger couples and dog walkers tend not to stop, he said.
"I'm not sure if it's somebody being heavy-handed and not thinking it through," he said. "I spoke to a few older people who also had to sit down. When you get older, you do have to sit more often. I can't see what the problem is."
A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council said:
However, Mr Meyrick said people were likely to feel self-conscious sitting on a bench with a sign on it, even if there was a legitimate reason. He added:
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