Council Leader Cllr Peter Jackson, said: "Following revised guidance issued by the Government, the council needs to take time to fully understand what the Government’s plan means for Northumberland, and its impact on our residents.

"After careful consideration, the county's four country parks will reopen on the morning of Wednesday 13 May at Druridge Bay, Bolam Lake, Plessey Woods and Tyne Riverside. The play areas will remain closed.

"The safety of the public is and must be our absolute priority.  We are currently undertaking further detailed risk assessments to understand how our car parks across the county can safely be opened, in order to apply social distancing, manage risk and avoid further spread of the virus.

"We feel this is the right thing to do to protect our communities, and further announcements will be made in the coming days once these are complete.

"We ask people to continue to make only essential journeys, stay home wherever possible and respect the safety of our communities."