EAST Renfrewshire Council have ‘no plans’ to close car parks to beauty spots despite neighbouring councils shutting off their own after scores of people flouted Covid-19 lockdown rules.

Chiefs at Renfrewshire Council placed barriers in car parks at  Gleniffer Braes Country Park, in Paisley, and Clyde Muirshiel Country Park, in Lochwinnoch, after both were flooded with vehicles. 

Cops were hit with several complaints about the situation at the weekend and have increased their patrols at both sites, as well as at Paisley’s Barshaw Park.

And Glasgow City Council also closed off public access to car parks.

Pollok Country Park, Bellahouston and Tollcross parks, which have car parks, are affected but the restriction applies to all city parks.

People can still walk and cycle in the parks for daily exercise - following government and NHS guidelines - but only authorised vehicles will be allowed entry to parks until further notice.

It comes after there were concerns that people are still making unnecessary journeys in their cars, despite the coronavirus lockdown. 

But a spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council told the Barrhead News that there are currently ‘no plans at present’ to close car parks in the area.

He said: “There are no plans at present to close Council car parks, but we continue to monitor the situation and will follow national guidance. 

“We would remind residents that the Scottish Government is urging people to stay local for exercise and use open spaces near to your home, avoiding unnecessary travel where possible, including driving.”

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