Council chiefs have urged those attending allotment sites in Hartlepool to act responsibly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Hartlepool Borough Council bosses have stressed although allotment sites remain open, those who fail to comply with the latest rules could face individual enforcement action.

They added allotment sites could even be closed if residents do not adhere to the latest rules put in place due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Guidelines in place include how people should only visit their allotments if they can walk there.

Also only partners from the same household should attend the plot.

Additionally allotment holders should only drive to a site if they have livestock, as this is classed as essential travel for animal welfare purposes.

Guidance had previously been issued that exercise should start and finish at home and no-one should be driving anywhere to exercise.

Hartlepool Borough Council, which owns the allotment sites, also says that once on their plots tenants must observe social distancing rules.

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, previously praised residents for sticking to social isolation guidelines in general, but said now is not the time to become complacent.

He said: “I accept that socially isolating ourselves is not easy but it is important that we all continue to do whatever we can to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel is the only way that we will ultimately get on top of the situation and be able to return to normality.

“By observing the rules we are also helping to protect the NHS and save lives.

“It is important that people are not tempted to venture outdoors unnecessarily and I would appeal for their support.”

It came after last month police were given stronger enforcement powers to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

This includes issuing a fixed penalty notice of £60 for those who don’t comply.