CRITICISM has been levelled at the borough council after the car park to Black Dam Ponds was shut ahead of the Easter weekend.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced the closure of the car park yesterday (Saturday) in a bid to deter residents from travelling.

It comes after the authority had already closed the car parks to Eastrop Park, Crabtree Plantation and the Lime Pits, following reports of people using the leisure spots for sunbathing and picnics during last weekend’s good weather.

But now residents have criticised the council, accusing it of ‘discriminating’ against those who do not have access to open spaces for exercise.

One person wrote on social media: “I am lucky enough to have a garden, but lots aren't.

“Please reconsider closing these car parks to allow families to drive the half mile or so from their flats to enjoy the green spaces.

“I would think the closing hits the low paid and key workers most, the ones who deserve better.”

Another added: “You are discriminating against those whose living conditions and residential location precludes them from safe and reasonable exercise.

“This is not a good response for those who do not have spacious accommodation and lovely gardens.”

One person also shared a clip of Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, speaking on BBC Question Time, in which he noted: “To get in your car and drive a short distance to then go for a walk on your own, or maybe with your dog, that is fine because you’re not coming into contact with another person and the advice is really clear about that.”

That clip was taken from the show's April 2 broadcast. Current government guidelines, last updated on April 3, simply note: “We advise you to stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily.”

The council responded to a number of the comments shared on social media.

Messages on the authority’s Twitter page read: “We have kept the parks open to allow people to enjoy them as part of their one daily form of exercise however the government’s advice is for people not to travel long distances to do this.”