CORONAVIRUS: Council leader's warning as people continue to ignore lockdown rules

The council issued the message after a weekend that saw most residents follow the rules and stay at home.

But it warned that some people were still driving to local landmarks to exercise or walk their dogs, which was in breach of the lockdown rules.

Thanking residents for obeying the rules over the weekend, the council said a small

a small minority still ignoring the ‘stay at home’ message and gathering in open spaces.

It said some are driving to local landmarks to exercise or walk their dogs, with up to 10 parked cars seen at the Pilgrim Memorial over the weekend.

Council leader Cllr Paul Skinner said: “Infections and deaths are still going up, and it’s clear now that the virus can, and does, kill people of all ages and backgrounds.

“People who refuse to stay close to home are putting themselves and others at risk and showing a complete disregard for the NHS. Nobody is enjoying this lockdown, but the longer people continue to break the rules, the longer these restrictions will last, and the more lives will be lost.

“The message is clear: stay at home, exercise close to where you live and only go out for essential shopping or medicines, to take vital supplies to vulnerable people or to go to work, and then only if you can’t work from home.

“Please don’t visit memorials and public open spaces if you need to drive to get there.”