School’s out for summer and work continues behind the scenes to bring things back to normality at borough parks.

While indoor gyms remain closed, staff have made changes and people can now apply for permits to host outdoor classes of up to 30 people in parks.

The coffee shop at Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge re-opened earlier this month and council bosses said today work was also well under way to allow play areas to open at selected parks imminently.

The play areas have been sealed off since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said:

"Now children have broken up from school, we want everyone to be able to enjoy our beautiful parks during the summer months. We are working hard to return to some sort of normality, and that includes the re-opening of some play areas and outdoor gyms next weekend.

"Despite these moves, safety is still critical - we would urge parents to follow the appropriate guidance at parks to ensure social distancing is maintained to prevent the possible spread of the virus."