GALLERY: Visitors turned away with car parks packed as large crowds head for Himley Park
People were turned away as large crowds flocked to parks amid the scorching late spring sunshine to escape the long weeks in lockdown.
Himley Park had seen 'above normal' levels of visitors, according to Dudley Council, ahead of what would have been summer half term holiday next week.
Officials were forced to refuse entry to some visitors arriving after car parks filled quickly amid continued social distancing measures at the grounds of Himley Hall.
Temperatures hit a year-high of 27C (81F) on Wednesday with some parts of the country seeing warmer weather than Ibiza.
Warm weather is set to continue into the Bank Holiday weekend with highs of 22C (72F) by Monday.
Dudley Council says numbers will continue to be monitored at Himley and other parks to ensure social distancing is adhered too.
Council cabinet member, Councillor Ian Kettle, said: “The very warm weather inevitably brings more people to Himley than usual and we have seen numbers well above normal levels.
"As a result we were not able to accommodate the high number of cars and some had to be turned away.
"If people are visiting Himley, it is crucial that they follow social distancing rules and on occasions it is absolutely necessary to limit people coming into the park to make sure this happens.
"Thankfully people are generally following the expert advice when visiting Himley which allows us to keep this fantastic park open for everyone to enjoy.”
Dozens of people ventured to Himley Park, some taking along picnics while others queued for treats from an ice cream van to help them cool off. .
Signs have been displayed throughout the park and car parks to remind people to respect social distancing advise while visiting.
Himley Park reopened on April 21 after the grounds were closed almost a month ago when crowds gathered at the beauty spot, flouting government social distancing guidelines.
