Following top level discussions, Alton Water bosses have taken the difficult decision not to reopen this Bank Holiday weekend, despite public demand.

The popular water park, campsite, play areas, cafe, mini-golf centre and water sports centre will remain closed until Government guidelines change, and that includes next week's half-term holiday.

Suffolk Highways are putting up signs on approach roads, including the A137, B1456 and Ipswich to Brantham B1080 roads, warning potential visitors, the park will not be open.

Staff at Anglian Water parks, such as Alton Water have faced abuse from people frustrated at not being able to use the facilities and do not have the capacity during lockdown to supervise the open spaces.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said, "Our sites are currently closed to the public at this time. We know our leisure attractions are loved by many but protecting the health and safety of our colleagues and visitors is our top priority.

"We will remain closed over the bank holiday and during half term and would like to ask everyone to please respect the difficult decision we have needed to make.

"Balancing the needs and wishes of all our active communities is always a challenge and we are all as keen as each other to get back to some sense of normality. We are working on plans to reopen our parks as soon as we are confident we can do so safely.

"As a tourism venue, we are unlike a regular park, with additional factors to consider, and we must be certain that we can meet all the guidance on social distancing.

"Protecting our staff has been at the forefront of our minds since the lockdown began, even though hundreds are out working every day to keep essential services flowing.

"We don't want our colleagues to face abuse as has sadly been the case recently. It's also very important to us to make sure our park staff are not being expected to police visitors or manage social distancing with crowds either.

"If you were hoping to visit Alton Water, Grafham, Pitsford, Rutland, or any of our smaller sites soon, please postpone as we will not be open and all tracks and car parks are closed.

"For those of you who have been supportive throughout, thank you so much. It means everything to our teams."