Canalside social distancing warning to Wiganers

The Canal & River Trust has repeated its advice to follow government guidance and keep use of the waterways to a minimum, after already putting up thousands of posters along towpaths.

Charity bosses said social-distancing measures must be followed at all times and urged people to stay at home.

Richard Parry, chief executive at the trust, said: "While the weather may make it seem tempting to go for a towpath walk, remember that public health officials have stressed the importance of people staying at home, saying that the single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

“Our plea to everyone thinking of using the towpath is to be mindful of others and act always with consideration and with respect. If we all continue to observe government guidance - to strictly apply social distancing, and follow advice to stay local and limit towpath use - then together we can combat this pandemic, and be able to enjoy getting back out on or by our waterways when we’ve beaten it.”

For more information on the trust’s response to coronavirus, visit: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus