RESIDENTS have been advised that outdoor exercise in Dorset should be done at "the closest location where it is safest" to do so.

Dorset Police has said now it not the time to be "picking and choosing where to travel to exercise based on which location you’d prefer to visit".

This comes after different interpretations and approaches have been taken across the country.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "The Government is asking people to stay at home and only leave or travel for a limited number of reasons, including exercise. The full list of exemptions can be found at gov.uk/coronavirus

"The Government guidance states that you should not travel outside your local area for exercise.

"Local means stay within your village, town or part of your city or for the purpose of exercise. This is the closest location where it is safest to exercise.

"This is not the time to be picking and choosing where to travel to exercise based on which location you’d prefer to visit. This will have to wait for another time.

"We are asking people to be responsible and play their part. Our officers will continue to use their discretion when speaking to members of the public. However, they will enforce where necessary."

A BCP Council spokeswoman said the local authority is "carefully following the current guidance to allow people to exercise safely in public spaces".

While this exercise is allowed in places like parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, public gardens, the grounds of heritage sites and playgrounds, some facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts and outdoor sports courts must close.