A range of activities at Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich are to be released from lockdown restrictions, starting from Monday 13 July.
Outside staff are returning to normal working to provide maintenance work and services to the public. Staff have been working to make sure animals are cared for and to remove rubbish and tidy the site.
The shops at the visitor centres at Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm will reopen from Monday 13 July to provide refreshments, ice creams and other products such as honey and preserves. The tea room at Sandwell Park Farm will also operate a takeaway service. Forge Mill and Sandwell Park Farm will remain closed for now.
This follows the re-opening of Swan Pool to the Sandwell Sailing Club and the mini-runway for Sandwell Model Aircraft Club which is also available to members.
These changes come under phase one of the council’s recovery plan for the Valley and will be welcome news for the many thousands who visit the Valley to use the facilities and to walk and cycle through the local beauty spot.
There will also be an increase in agricultural operations on the farmland and the start of grounds maintenance across all green open spaces and the adjoining Dartmouth Park.
The re-opening of other facilities such as the pedalo boat hire, the farms at Forge Mill and Park Farm will come at a later date, as part of phase two.
Also still on hold is the reopening of play areas and fitness equipment and the toilets at the pavilion. All play areas will need to be inspected and government guidance on their usage considered, before the council can reopen them.
Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We are pleased to be able to provide some extra services to visitors but the council is having to move very slowly and carefully to protect our staff and visitors.
“It will be useful to the people who go to the Valley for exercise to have refreshments available, but I would appeal to people to stick to the rules and not use any of the facilities that have not been officially opened.
“I know that these restrictions in these very difficult times are frustrating to the council, our staff and the local community, but we must protect everyone from the dangers of the dreadful effects of this coronavirus pandemic.”
