Calls growing for police clampdown on public breaking lockdown laws in Northamptonshire with reports of gatherings, parties and sunbathers

"Not fining just sends out a message to the morons that they can do as they like"
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Calls are growing for a police clampdown on people flouting lockdown laws in Northamptonshire.

Lancashire Police caused a furore by dishing out 123 fines for people going out on the first weekend since the Government told the country to stay at home unless absolutely necessary in a bid to slow the spread of the Covid-19 bug.

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Two weeks into the lockdown officers have still not issued a single fine in Northamptonshire and police yesterday said 'Thanks Northants' for sticking to the instructions to only go out for shopping when you need to and exercise once a day.

Fences at Pitsford Reservoir did not stop everyone from getting in to the picnic site on Sunday Photo: Leila CokerFences at Pitsford Reservoir did not stop everyone from getting in to the picnic site on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker
Fences at Pitsford Reservoir did not stop everyone from getting in to the picnic site on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker

But Emily McCabe, from Northampton, said: "I have no idea how!

"I saw plenty of people flouting the rules at Delapré Abbey whilst out for a run — sunbathing, sitting around chatting with friends, families having picnics and the car park was full.

"Add on the students that have been visiting each other and having parties and others having friends and family over for BBQs around Far Cotton recently!"

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Hayley Fulcher added: "It’s very easy for the police to bask in the glory of saying there were no tickets given out for flouting the restrictions. All of Facebook know and have voiced their utter disgust at the amount of people we all witnessed blatantly flouting the rules!

Groups out at Delapre Abbey on Sunday Photo: Leila CokerGroups out at Delapre Abbey on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker
Groups out at Delapre Abbey on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker

"Police were present at the weekend at Abington Park and did nothing to break up crowds of sun worshipers all sitting in close proximity to everyone.

"We are looking to the Police to uphold the rules. But if they won’t, who will?"

And Northampton Saints fan Neil Welch posted: "No fines is not a figure to be proud of in these difficult times.

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"It just sends out a message to the morons that they can do as they like — and they are. The skate park was packed at 4pm on Monday, cars parked across the entrance.

Cyclists fail to stay two metres apart at the Racecourse on Sunday Photo: Leila CokerCyclists fail to stay two metres apart at the Racecourse on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker
Cyclists fail to stay two metres apart at the Racecourse on Sunday Photo: Leila Coker

"Police must start handing out fines or else more and more people will just ignore Government advice and put the rest of us at even more risk. They should support the people who are doing as they’re told and come down hard on these idiots."

Health secretary Matt Hancock has so far ruled out stepping up the lockdown by banning people exercising outside their home because the vast majority are sticking to the rules.

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Nick Adderley has so far adopted an "engage, listed and educate" policy since the lockdown was imposed on March 23 but still appealed for the public to report serious breaches of the lockdown by calling 101 or via the force's online reporting service.

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But the Chronicle & Echo's Facebook page was swamped with posts from people who saw plenty people out unnecessarily on the Racecourse, Abington Park and Kingsthorpe Rec and demanding a clampdown.

Shanice Langley said: "The Racecourse was full of people playing football and sunbathing so this is fake."

Kieran Jones added: "Roads very busy in Kingsthorpe, people sitting around in groups drinking in the parks. No police in sight.

"Take a leaf out of South Yorkshire's book, they are putting in roadblocks and issuing fines. It's time our police force acted in the same way!"

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Hazel Buckley posted: "Are the Police blind? Obviously not going to the parks as they would find lots of people ignoring the lockdown."

Ellen Austin Munro said: "There are groups of kids in town or gathering in neighbourhoods in known drinking spots. There's a heap load of litter from teenagers on the grass at the corner of my street who have clearly met up.

"Start fining. Start taking them home and fine the parents."

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