Popular beauty spot closed over social distancing concerns

West Lancashire Borough Council took the decision on public health grounds after consulting with Lancashire Police.

The authorities said the glen, which is a popular place for a walk with its streams and waterfalls, is a small area and it has proved impossible for visitors to stick to the Government's social distancing guidelines while there.

West Lancashire Borough Council said the number of cars parking nearby was also causing problems.

Footage on a community forum showed cars parked on both sides of the A5209 along the stretch close to the entrance to Fairy Glen and the parking area extremely full.

The council said it looked forward to welcoming visitors to the beauty spot once again when it is safe to do so.

Residents are also being reminded to remain two metres apart when exercising, with the council saying social distancing remains the main way of preventing or slowing down the transmission of the coronavirus.