Doncaster Council explains why it has introduced one way walking system at Lakeside

Signs have appeared at the popular beauty spot in the last few days, urging walkers to follow a one way route around the lake to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The plan was called ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’ by many users, with many saying they would ignore the signs.

Now Doncaster Council has explained its reasoning behind the one-way system.

Doncaster Council’s Director of Economy and Environment, Dan Swaine, said: “Lakeside is an increasingly popular walking route that we have seen become busier with the introduction of the nicer weather and the relaxing of some of the Covid restrictions around meeting up outdoors.

"The paths around the lake are narrow in some places and so to make it easier for people to navigate their way round and be able to continue social distancing we have installed a one way system around the lake, which will be a monitored and reviewed.

"There is no defined start or end point of the route and people can enter and exit at multiple points, using their discretion.

"Our aim is to help people to enjoy Doncaster’s beauty spots as safely as possible.”

The blue and white signs have been installed at path entry points to the lake route, with arrows signposting the direction walkers should take.

Last year, parts of the path were sealed off over fears walkers were ignoring social distancing and failing to stay two metres apart.