CAR PARKS at a popular beauty spot have been closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Malvern Hills is managed by the Malvern Hills Trust, which is also responsible for conservation of the area.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Please take heed of the closure notices at our car parks and follow the Government’s advice.

“These measures have been put in place for your safety as well as the safety of our staff, other visitors and the wider community.”

An extension has also been granted on car park passes for the numerous people who buy parking passes, which supports the conservation of the Hills and commons.

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A spokesman added: “We are grateful to the numerous people who buy parking passes for our car parks, which supports the conservation of the Hills and commons.

“New residents’ passes for the year ending 31st March 2021 have been on sale since 1st March 2020 and a large number had been sold prior to the closure.

“Due to the low price of these passes and the high number issued, we are unable to issue a refund for the period the car parks are shut. However, we are extending the life of all 2020/21 residents’ passes by 2 months to 31st May 2021.

“Similarly, any annual passes valid as at 27th March 2020 will be offered a 2-month extension to its current expiry date.

“At this stage we don’t not know how long the closure will last.”

Last week, conservation days, where volunteers help on the hills, were suspended as “supporting the health and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff and the general public is vital.”

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Worcestershire has reached 170 on Wednesday

The figures, released daily by Public Health England, recorded 24 new Covid-19 cases in the county as of Tuesday, March 31.

As the Government is no longer testing people who are self-isolating with mild symptoms, many cases may not be detected.

The Government are still urging people to stay indoors, to self isolate and only go outside for essential trips and foe one hours of daily exercise each day.

It is not known how long these unprecedented measures will be in place but but it is likely they will stay for many months to come.