A Motherwell councillor has pleaded with teenagers to stay at home following reports of large groups of young people congregating on a nature reserve.
SNP elected member Agnes Magowan, who represents the Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig ward, spoke out after receiving complaints of groups of teens hanging about at Baron’s Haugh.
Councillor Magowan has spoken to police, local headteachers and asked for parents to do the right thing to stop the spread of coronavirus.
She said: “This could spread the coronavirus not only among the young people but could infect parents and grandparents.
“We want to keep everyone safe and stop this pandemic as quickly and efficiently as we can. Actions such as this endangers lives.
“All the headteachers of local schools support this action and have put messages to this effect on their school websites, Facebook and Twitter. The community police have been informed and will be encouraging youngsters to stay in the vicinity of their homes.”
Toby Wilson of the RSPB has informed me that Baron’s Haugh and all other reserves are closed due to the coronavirus.
He said: “I would be grateful if you could also note that due to the current coronavirus pandemic, following the latest clear instructions from the Government for us all to remain at home apart from a limited number of allowed activities.
“We are closing all of our reserves to visitors until further notice. This means we will close car parks, toilets and playgrounds to the public.
“These measures are on top of the existing closure of our visitor centres, cafes and shops. It is with great sadness that we ask people to refrain from visiting RSPB.
“Life is not easy at the moment but please be sensible and protect each other. We do not want to endanger the people we love the most for our own selfish pleasures.”
