Football nets on a playing fields will remain taped off for safety reasons despite residents "being up in arms" over the decision.

Shenley Parish Council put tape across two nets in Harris Lane playing fields this week after responding to a complaint that youths had been seen gathering on the pitches and playing football - despite government guidelines on social distancing.

The parish council also put up the following sign: "Temporary Closure of Football Pitches. Coronavirus (covid-19).

"Following Central Government guidelines the Council finds it necessary to temporarily close the football pitches until further notice with immediate effect.

"Any gatherings here will be reported to the Police who will take the appropriate action."

Borehamwood Times:

Borehamwood Times:

News of the temporary closure was shared onto Facebook community pages by councillor Natalie Susman, wife of Shenley Parish Council chairman, William Susman, on Wednesday evening.

But according to Neil Johnson, who lives in Shenley, news of taping off the nets was not received well - with the posts later deleted by Cllr Susman.

He said: "I reckon there were about 15 comments and only one was in favour of what the council had done. Residents were up in arms. I even called for resignations of the councillors.

"I think the council have missed the mark here. I walk past here regularly with my wife for our daily exercise and we sometimes see a kid and his dad kicking the ball or the odd family.

"Some don't have the luxury of a garden and going out and playing football could be the highlight of their day instead of being stuck in front of the television.

"Maybe there have been youths there but we don't know they're not from the same household. I feel sorry for the kids who have been punished by this. Taping off a net just seems ridiculous."

Borehamwood Times:

Government guidelines state that outdoor exercise of one hour is allowed and you must stay a minimum of two metres away from someone outside of your household.

Communal areas like sports courts should be shut under current government laws.

Despite the backlash on social media, Cllr William Susman says the nets remain taped off and the council will not be reversing the decision.

Borehamwood Times:

He said: "We decided to put up the notices as residents had complained that on a previous day youths had been gathering on the pitches and playing football.

"We posted to Facebook to bring it to the attention of the residents firstly that we had done something about their complaint and secondly to remind people that playing football in the field was not allowed.

"All we have been doing is following the government guidelines and taping them off is a reminder to people of those guidelines.

"The safety of local residents and stopping this disease spreading is our priority and we will do all we can to achieve this.

"Hertsmere has had more than 100 deaths from the virus, with three reported in the Shenley & South Mimms ward.

"Anyone flouting the regulations will feel the full force of the law."