Stay off our beaches! Police message to Northamptonshire's Covidiots breaking lockdown for trip to seaside

Norfolk officers dish out fines for visiting family in Yarmouth and walking the dogs at Hunstanton
By Kevin Nicholls
Published 1st Mar 2021, 10:36 BST
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Norfolk Police have sent a message to Northamptonshire's Covidiots — stay away from our beaches!

Officers revealed they slapped fines on people from the county out on a jolly to the coast despite 'Stay At Home' orders during the coronavirus lockdown.

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One man travelled from Northamptonshire to Norwich to visit family — and then went on to Great Yarmouth to see more relatives.

And another admitted driving all the way to Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast just to walk his dogs on the beach.

Earlier this year, it was revealed a Wellingborough couple also made the 260-mile round-trip to Hunstanton during lockdown to see the town's famous seal population.

Superintendent Nathan Clark rapped: "We get that travelling for a change of scenery is tempting. But going long distances to get fresh air and go for a walk is not regarded as essential."

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Strict 'Stay At Home' rules will remain in force until at least March 29, although even then the government will urge people to stay local. Mixing indoors will not be allowed until at least May 17.

One dog owner from Northamptonshire was fined after driving all the way to Hunstanton to walk is pet on the beach. Photo: Getty ImagesOne dog owner from Northamptonshire was fined after driving all the way to Hunstanton to walk is pet on the beach. Photo: Getty Images
One dog owner from Northamptonshire was fined after driving all the way to Hunstanton to walk is pet on the beach. Photo: Getty Images

Northamptonshire Police reported on Friday they issued more than £15,000 in fines after gatecrashing a party in Northampton with 19 revellers.

And, despite the pleas, crowds were reported at many parks across the county over the weekend.

Officers from Corby — where coronavirus infection rates are the highest in the UK — issued 13 fixed penalty notices as people flocked to East Carlton Park on Sunday.

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And also yesterday PC Aaron Griffiths tweeted: "Another night, another party...

"A student house with four persons who don't reside there present, too, all issued with £200 penalty notices and directions to leave.

"This required some robust explaining about the legislation as they didn't agree with it."

Superintendent Elliot Foskett admits a "substantial" amount of enforcement is necessary as people across Northamptonshire flout lockdown regulations by visiting other households.

He added the amount of traffic on the county's roads has also risen to just 25 per cent below pre-lockdown levels.