Cheshire Constabulary urge residents to stay local and follow guidance following relaxation of restrictions

Residents are being urged to stay local and follow the guidance following the latest relaxations in the coronavirus legislation.

On Monday 8 March, England took its first step of the gradual relaxation with the reopening of schools.

As part of the changes, the public can now visit local public outdoor place to take part in recreation with their own household or one other person from outside their household.

Following the changes officers will continue to engage and explain the rules with the public but will move to enforce when met with blatant and repeat breaches.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “As we move into spring and summer we know that more people will be visiting beauty spots across Cheshire.

“The rules in place remain clear and officers will be supporting the relaxation of the rules and will be enforcing when met with blatant and repeat breaches.

“If you are visiting beauty spots for recreation or exercise, only do so with members of your household/bubble or one person from outside your household.

“Please also think, is it necessary to travel to a beauty spot to do this, or can you do it more locally to your home?

“It is really important that although you can now meet up recreationally you must still stay at home as much as possible to continue to keep the infection rate down.”

Since the lockdown regulations began in January, Cheshire Constabulary have issued more than 1,273 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).

FPNs have been issued for a range of blatant breaches such as birthday parties, businesses remaining open when they should be closed and multiple people travelling without reasonable excuse.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Cheshire residents have made great sacrifices over the last year but it is really important that we do not damage the hard work we have done in reducing coronavirus cases.

“There are still strict rules in place which we all need to follow in order to see further relaxation of the national lockdown restrictions.”

For further advice and guidance please visit the Government website.

To report a coronavirus breach visit the Cheshire Police website.

From 4 January to 7 March, 1,273 FPNs were issued across Cheshire, please see a breakdown for each Local Policing Unit:

Chester – 176
Crewe – 186
Ellesmere Port – 73
Macclesfield – 156
Northwich – 75
Runcorn – 113
Warrington – 280
Widnes – 177
Motorway - 37