SOME small villages around Penistone are being affected by people using them for exercise.

Dunford Bridge is one community which has been badly hit, according to local MP Miriam Cates.

She said she has become concerned about people driving to exercise, especially in rural locations.

“We are allowed to do that, but I urge people to avoid hotspots,” said the Penistone and Stocksbridge MP. “A number of people using car parks in small villages can present problems.

“Dunford Bridge, for instance, has been badly hit. This is a tiny community with lots of vulnerable people and an influx of visitors to exercise is not what we want to see.”

Miriam pointed out that social distancing applies to exercise times.

“It can be hard, but we have to try to stick to the rules,” she said.