Plea from Horncastle’s Mayor: ‘Don’t breach Covid-19 rules’

All quiet on the Horncastle front - and councillors and police hope it will stay that way

The country is in week six of the lockdown, with the message ‘Stay Home and Stay Safe’ now a familiar part of daily routines.

Coun Martin admitted the regulations were testing the patience of some people, particularly as there is no decision on when they might be eased.

However, in a message to residents, she urged them not to ‘ruin all their excellent efforts’.

Coun Martin said: “After six weeks, we all know there is perhaps some light starting to appear at the end of the tunnel. However, it is important everyone continues as they have been since this all started.

“I have been very impressed with what has been happening in Horncastle. The vast majority of people have been responding responsibly.

“Not going out is putting pressure on households but having come so far, please don’t ruin all the excellent work so far.

“Coronavirus is still very much a threat to us all - and, I fear, will be for some time to come.”

There were unconfirmed reports roads in the Horncastle, Woodhall Spa and the Wolds areas were busier last weekend.

Messages on social media indicate walkers and cyclists were out in force on a number of rural routes.

Horncastle police have again praised the ‘positive’ attitude of the vast majority of residents.

PCSO Nigel Wass, whose shifts have seen him patrol up to 80 miles a day, confirmed police had received ‘one or two’ reports last weekend that households were failing to keep to the regulations.

He said: “We have spoken to people and at this stage, we are still operating the four ‘Es’ policy - Engage, Educate, Encourage and Enforce - as a last resort.

“The people we have had to speak to have responded very positively. We are continuing patrols and if we find we are having to speak to the same people, we will take the appropriate action.”

PCSO Wass thanked the public for their support but echoed Coun Martin’s comments that now is not the right time to ignore the regulations.

He added: “Coronavirus is in Horncastle and it can affect anyone. If everyone follows the advice, the sooner life can start to return to normal.”

•Anyone reporting breaches of the regulations should do so via the police force’s 101 number.