RESIDENTS of a rural borough are being encouraged to use its parks but steer clear of its famous beauty spots.

Cllr Stuart Carefoot, chairman of Ribble Valley Council’s community committee, wants local people to get out and stretch their legs as long as they observe social distancing guidelines.

But he wants residents and Bank Holiday trippers to avoid tourist honeypots like the Forest of Bowland, Roman Ribchester and the borough's famously beautiful villages like Slaidburn, Waddington and Downham.

With the long weekend and Monday's late May Bank holiday coming up Cllr Carefoot is asking people to stick to the borough’s parks at Clitheroe Castle, Edisford and Brungerley in Clitheroe, and John Smith’s Playing Field in Longridge. for their recreation.

He said: “Parks and green spaces are great for your health and wellbeing. They allow you to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and stay positive.

“It’s great that we can all now get outdoors more and our grounds maintenance and street cleansing teams have been working hard behind the scenes to keep our parks and green spaces in tiptop condition.

“While many of you will want to get out and about in Ribble Valley’s beautiful countryside and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the safety of our residents remains a priority and most services, such as shops and toilets, are closed.

“Please stick to social distancing when out and about and avoid gathering."