Parties & Fires On Commons

Lack of social distancing leads to tightening of rules on Putney & Wimbledon Commons


Fire on Putney Heath on Good Friday

The rangers on Putney & Wimbledon Commons have spent Easter Sunday morning taping off benches and asking dog walkers to keep dogs on their leads after a party on Putney Common yesterday evening (11th April) and changes to Government guidelines on doga walking.

The latest guidelines now state that dogs should be kept on a lead to ensure 2m distance is kept between dog walkers.

Please use the following guidance in order to stay safe:

  • stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
  • you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
  • keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
  • gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this
  • if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
  • take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
  • if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others. You can find further guidance for pet owners here

www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces


The Conservators have also reminded smokers to ensure their cigarettes are put out following a fire on Putney Heath on Friday (10th March). On their facebook page the Conservators thanked London FireBrigade for theior rapid response and said: "Whilst we are not going to speculate about the cause of the fire, it is a timely reminder to all our visitors to be aware of fire hazards and to remember that no BBQs or other forms of fire are permitted on the Commons. Please take your rubbish home or put it in a bin (glass and litter can be fire hazards) and if you smoke whilst on the Commons, make sure your cigarette is properly extinguished - ideally pick it up and take it home with you." Avideo of the fire can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/WimbledonandPutneyCommons/videos/557694678201541/

May 29, 2020