A Lambeth Council official reportedly insisted a walker leave Kennington Park because “walking isn’t exercise”.  

Journalist Paul Burston went out for a walk in the park on April 18, wearing a face mask and observing social distancing, when he said he was told to leave as he apparently wasn’t exercising. 

He said: “Stopped by an official in Kennington Park and told to go home.  

“Apparently ‘walking isn’t exercise – only jogging and cycling’. 

“I replied that walking alone with a face mask and observing social distancing, I wasn’t posing a greater threat than someone jogging. She insisted I leave.” 

After he left the park he met two other walkers outside who had also been asked to leave.  

Official Government guidance, which Lambeth Council is also advising, is that people can go outside once a day for a form of exercise, which includes walking.  

When outside, people must keep a two metre distance from others, and “be considerate”, but should not have picnics, sunbathe, play sports, or gather in groups.  

Mr Burston tweeted the council asking them to advise officials patrolling the park that “walking is a legitimate form of exercise, allowed under Government guidelines”.  

Lambeth’s leader Councillor Jack Hopkins replied to say that the official was indeed incorrect and would make sure staff were briefed. 

“Sorry to hear this Paul, that is not the right advice and guidance.  

“I will make sure that frontline staff are briefed on the right messages and guidance, and that management are ensuring it is being delivered correctly,” he said.  

Mr Burston received a lot of supportive messages backing him up after posting about the incident online. 

Tom Watson, former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party said: “I literally kicked Type 2 diabetes in that park, first by walking followed months later by jogging and then HIIT.  

“They may have been rationing access by this arbitrary divide but you were definitely exercising.” 

He also heard from Oval ward Councillor Philip Normal “who was very supportive”. 

Mr Burston has since returned to the park with no further trouble, but has screenshots of the council’s advice at hand.