Steps have been taken to keep Cheltenham's green spaces safe and tidy after incidents marred the initial relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.

Larger bins have been installed in the town's larger parks with more standard bins in other parks and green spaces which will be emptied more regularly with increased litter picking.

Toilet facility opening times have been extended in Montpellier Gardens with additional cleaning also provided.

Cheltenham Borough Council director of planning Tracey Crews said: "Our parks and green spaces are for everyone to enjoy and we'd ask residents and visitors to respect each other and the areas they are in.

"It is important that visitors to our parks and gardens feel safe and we ask everyone to be mindful of others by making use of the toilet facilities and ensuring that litter is placed in the bins provided, or visitors take their rubbish home with them.

"Our neighbourhood team is working closely with the police and will be monitoring and enforcing where necessary."

Council officers are working with police to ensure visitors are following the Government's guidelines on social distancing and meeting others.

Most incidents called in are around noise, litter and urination with no crime or disorder reported.

Acting Inspector Steve Benbow said: "Cheltenham residents have been great at following social distancing rules, but the recent spell of warm weather resulted in large groups gathering, particularly in Montpellier Gardens, with littering, drug and alcohol use and noise issues being reported to us.

"We want to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the area as lockdown restrictions continue to ease and the neighbourhood policing team will be conducting regular patrols in the park.

"I would like to ask that those who meet up do so responsibly while respecting those who live in the surrounding area."

Any issues can be reported at cheltenham.gov.uk/report-it.