Pets’ Corner, one of the Town Park’s most popular attractions, has been operating a booking system during the pandemic. The council has decide to reinstate walk-in visits, as most restrictions have been lifted under stage four of the government’s COVID-19 roadmap, with immediate effect.
Until today’s (Friday 30 July) decision, visitors wishing to come to Pets’ Corner have had to make a booking beforehand, which placed strict limits on the number of people permitted at any time within the enclosure. The council has kept the booking system under continuous review, and given the recent changes in government guidance and public demand, the council has chosen to withdraw the system, managing the flow of numbers instead.
It is hoped that by returning to walk-in visits more families can access Pets’ Corner and avoid any future disappointment in not being able to book a time slot.
There will still be safety measures in place to ensure best practice is maintained to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The council wants families and all generations of Harlow residents to have a safe and an enjoyable visit. A one-way route around Pets’ Corner will remain for the time being, as will guidance on social distancing. The council will also have a member of staff at the entrance monitoring numbers entering the site. At present, the management team at Pets’ Corner are limiting entry to 100 people at any one time and will be restricting the flow of entry when the site is at capacity.
Councillor Joel Charles, Deputy Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“I know that many local families will be excited to learn that Pets’ Corner is returning to walk-in visits. This is another clear step towards Pets’ Corner returning to near-normal service. The council is committed to maintaining an appropriate level of social distancing and public health measures. Pets’ Corner has always been an accessible, inclusive and welcoming community service that always provides a wellbeing boost to anyone who visits, the withdrawal of the booking system is a welcome opportunity to allow more families to enjoy a bit more quality time outdoors.”
Pets’ Corner’s current opening times will remain, between 12 noon and 3.40pm, to allow for cleaning and disinfecting of the site before and after opening.