A PARISH council says it has been forced to close its skate park after receiving a number of complaints about users not adhering to social distancing rules and becoming abusive when confronted about it.

Stithians Parish Council says drugs paraphernalia was also found at the park off Church Road and that the police have been informed.

The council says it is closing the park with immediate effect following Government instructions endorsed by Skate England and anyone using the park will risk receiving a fine under current Covid-19 restrictions.

Posting on its Facebook page the council said: "Sadly SPC have received a number of complaints regarding skateboard users not adhering to social distancing and becoming abusive when reminded of the current rules.

"In addition to this, drugs paraphernalia has been recently found at the skateboard park. The police have been notified and will be visiting periodically. Anyone using the skatepark will risk being fined under current Covid-19 restrictions."

The move comes as the debate over social distancing and enforcing the rules during the lockdown becomes more intense.

The Covid rate in Cornwall is reaching a critical stage and police have warned people that they need to obey Covid rules to get the virus under control.