The playground in Upper Castle Park will be closed from tomorrow after as many as 110 people were spotted using the play equipment at one time.

Colchester Council said it has taken the decision to keep residents safe as the coronavirus infection rate in Colchester continues to rise.

The closure will come into effect from Friday (January 15) but the rest of Castle Park will remain open for local people to take their daily exercise.

Read more: Warning after 'up to 80 people' congregate at skatepark and ignore Covid rules

The current national lockdown rules mean that the Government has said playgrounds can remain open but the council has been keeping the use of them under review.

The council’s Covid marshals, wardens, park rangers and Essex Police are patrolling the area daily, monitoring numbers, issuing guidance and talking to families.

But at its peak, it has been recorded that there were 110 people using the play equipment at one time.

Martin Goss, the council's environment boss, said: “With the nation being asked to stay at home and the rate of the virus continuing to increase in Colchester, we have made the difficult but right decision to close the play area in Upper Castle Park.

“While many residents are following the Government’s advice, sadly there are a few who are putting lives at risk and not adhering to social distancing and gathering rules, despite the educational steps taken by Essex Police and council officers.

“The council wants to keep our playgrounds open, to give people space to walk, exercise and to help their mental wellbeing, and we really recognise the value of these spaces.

"However, we will not hesitate to close facilities where needed.

“We must take care to be considerate to others and all do our bit to combat the spread of the virus. Stay at home as much as possible, and when out for your daily exercise, stay at least two metres apart and continue to wash your hands frequently.”

It comes days after the town's two skateparks were closed amid concerns about social distancing.

In one instance as many as 80 people were found at the skatepark near Leisure World.