TWO popular Bromsgrove beauty spots could be closed to the public if visitors continue to disobey coronavirus rules, authorities have warned.

Mild weather over the weekend saw people flock in droves to Clent Hills and Lickey Hills Country Park, alarming local residents.

Worcestershire County Council’s Countryside Team and West Mercia Police had to deal with numerous reports of traffic problems and of people not observing public health restrictions.

The parks and countryside walks have been open during the lockdown but if visitors continue to disregard the rules that decision may have to be reviewed.

Inspector Lee Page from West Mercia Police said: “This weekend we saw a large number of people travelling to the beautiful open spaces in our county for exercise.

“We don’t want stop anyone from getting out in the fresh air right now and understand how vital this is for both mental and physical health.

"What we are asking is that you remain compliant with the current restrictions and if it doesn’t seem possible to do so due to crowds in certain locations that you try somewhere else.”

Worcestershire County Councillor, Cabinet Member, Karen May said it had been 'concerning' to hear about people 'travelling out of their way' to visit the locations.

"I’d like to take the opportunity to remind our residents to think local and to stay local when planning your daily exercise," she said.

"I know that open air is a great relief and it improves mental health, at a time where that is really paramount, but we all need to continue play our part in keeping the county’s numbers down."

Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, added: “At the moment in Worcestershire, we are starting to see our positive case numbers stabilising.

"This does not mean they are going down, but the rate of increase is starting to stay consistent. We can’t afford to be complacent now and see our good work undone.

"I understand that the lockdown restrictions can be frustrating and can have a negative impact on mental health, but following the restrictions at all times really is the best way to keep Worcestershire’s case numbers down.”