BASINGSTOKE'S Leisure Park was left deserted today (Saturday) following the government's order for all bars, pubs, restaurants and gyms to close.

The government's response to the pandemic has heightened in the last week, after the Prime Minister asked people on Monday to work from home where possible.

By Wednesday, schools were ordered to close and yesterday (Friday), all bars, pubs, restaurants and gyms were told to shut as soon as possible and to not re-open this morning.

That has left high streets up and down the country deserted, with normally busy pubs and clubs empty on Friday night.

And now, Basingstoke's usually vibrant leisure park is left deserted.

Cinema chain ODEON had already decided earlier in the week to close their cinemas across the country, whilst the likes of Hollywood Bowl, Planet Ice and Frankie and Benny's have now joined them.

It is not yet known when the order will be lifted for pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants to open again though the government said it will review the situation every 28 days.

This means it is likely that cinemas, shops, theatres and pubs will be closed for the next month.