Council acts after video shows hundreds ignoring social distancing at Doncaster beauty spot

The path around the Lakeside Marina has been closed off after a video filmed at the weekend showed walkers, joggers and cyclists of all ages ignoring the 2m social distancing rule, aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.

The footage, shot by a local resident, shows people brushing past each other on the narrow path, people stopping to look at fish in the lake and urges Doncaster Council to make the route one way.

But the authority took the decision to totally shut the path at the weekend.

Doncaster Council Assistant Director for Development, Scott Cardwell said: “For public safety reasons we took the decision to close a section of the path at Lakeside at the weekend.

“The section of the route around the marina is narrower and it was making social distancing more difficult for the increased number of visitors.

“We are implementing a plan for Lakeside which will make it safer for visitors with lots of signage in place asking people to social distance and ambassadors on hand during the day to help and advise.

“This should be operational for this coming weekend and will see the whole route back open at Lakeside.

“The safety of people continues to be our main priority during the COVID-19 emergency.”

Other routes around Lakeside remain open.

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