AN ATHLETICS track in Basingstoke has been closed after it saw an increase in use since the government introduced a partial lockdown.

Down Grange, which is home to a number of sports teams including the rugby, hockey and croquet club, as well as the Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, had been open in recent weeks as a space that people could take their daily exercise.

However, now Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have been forced to close the facility after seeing an increase in the number of people using it since the lockdown was announced at the start of last week.

It comes after the council announced yesterday that the council's community safety patrol officers are stepping up their rounds to support the police in ensuring that residents follow social distancing advice

Cabinet Member for Borough Development and Improvement, Councillor Rebecca Bean, said: “We know that many people are enjoying and cherishing their once a day opportunity to exercise and we know how important that is. All athletics training was suspended on the track in response to government guidance, however, we left the outdoor facility open for individuals to exercise safely.

“Unfortunately, it has become a popular place for people to exercise and we feel we cannot secure their safety by remaining open. Fortunately, the running track is positioned in Down Grange which benefits from acres of playing fields and green space where people living nearby can safely exercise while maintaining a 2 metre gap between them.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support in observing this temporary closure and ask that people do not go on to the track until the restrictions are lifted.”

Play areas and outdoor equipment in the borough have been shut but parks and playing fields have remained open to allow residents to take their daily exercise.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that people should stay at home, except in a limited number of circumstances.

They are to shop for essentials such as food, as little as possible; one form of exercise a day, such as running, walking or cycling; for medical needs or to care for vulnerable people; or to go to and from work, where working from home is not possible.

The government has asked people not to meet up with friends or family members they don't usually live with.

Yesterday, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced that their community officers were increasing their patrols to ensure that residents were following social distancing advice.

Police were given additional powers last week to fine those who don't comply with the government advice.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Partnerships and Communities Cllr Simon Bound said: “As a borough, we must do everything we can to support our NHS and our communities by following the government guidance and I would like to thank residents who are doing this.

“However there are some residents who continue to ignore this advice and our community safety patrol officers are committed to working closely with the police to tackle this.

“I would urge anyone not following the government’s advice to think about their actions and to go home. When people do go outdoors, they should also be considerate of others and leave a safe two metre distance at all times.

“By working together in the community, these efforts will help save lives.”