Drivers are flocking to a popular Swansea leisure spot despite non-essential travel being banned.

The Welsh Government has urged the public not to drive to another location to exercise, but to do so locally, as part of its efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

In recent weeks the entrance to the car park at Fendrod Lake, a location popular with walkers and runners, has been blocked off to prevent those travelling by car from entering.

Despite this, nearby roads, including Ferryboat Close which leads to the recycling centre in Llansamlet, have become congested with cars parking there instead.

The car park appeared to be busy on Thursday

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But on Thursday the car park was back open and full of vehicles, the reason for their journeys there unknown.

The Welsh Government website states: "The intention is that exercise should be undertaken locally – as close as possible to the home.  In general this should not involve people driving to a location away from home for this purpose.  No journeys of any significant distance should be taken, for example, just in order to exercise in the countryside or at beauty spots (many of which are closed in any event to prevent this)."

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Swansea Council explained that the car park reopened as part of traffic management arrangements when the recycling centre reopened on Tuesday.

The lake, in the centre of the city's Enterprise Park, is also a popular place for people to walk their dogs.

Fendrod Lake is popular with runners and dog walkers
South Wales Police said that "travelling should be reserved for limited reasons"

Responding to reports of people driving to the lake, South Wales Police said that "travelling should be reserved for limited reasons".

The force also explained that extra patrols were being carried out in key locations.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "Our officers are doing their best to ensure that as many people as possible are complying with the government guidelines.

"Extra patrols are taking place in key locations.

"Restrictions around the number of times an individual can exercise have been eased, but Welsh Government advice continues to be to exercise locally and, where possible, to avoid travelling to do so.

"Travelling should be reserved for limited reasons, and we’d urge people to stick to the spirit of the guidance, including when undertaking outdoor exercise.

"The message to our communities remains consistent – please continue to Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives."

First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to announce the outcome of a lockdown review on Friday.