Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024

Police issue fines after being called to ‘out of control’ street party in Nottingham

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

The party took place on VE Day last Friday and saw people ignoring the government’s COVID-19 guidelines by gathering on the pavement together, causing concern among some residents. Police arrived at the scene and witnessed revellers gathering around some speakers on the pavement. They issued advice on how the members of the public should be social distancing and issued two fines to those who were not being compliant.

One woman with a microphone did try and urge people to keep their distance at the gathering, but images of the scene appear to show people standing less than two metres apart.

A man in a video also urged people who were not from the local area to leave once the police showed up.

He said: “Whoever is born and bred on the ends, stay here, this is our home.

“If you don’t live around here just circle.

“Round up your troops and just go, I beg you.”

While, another woman tells the crowds: “What the officers are saying is… stay in your gardens and keep your distance.

“If you are going to be here you’re going to have to stand in twos (with) who you came with.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Gordon Fenwick, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Officers who attended engaged with some of the people present and gave strong words of advice to those who were not social distancing.

SEE MORE: Lockdown: What rules are coming into force TODAY?

“Officers remained at the event and issued two fines to individuals who decided not to follow the advice that was given.

“The officers spoke to and worked with the event organiser who tried to reinforce the message about people needing to follow the social distancing rules.

“Parts of the group began to move on and most of the people had left by 9pm.”

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin added: “We have been clear from the outset that our approach during the coronavirus outbreak has been to engage with members of the public, explain the current COVID-19 regulations and encourage people to follow the instructions.

DON’T MISS:

Holidays 2020: Simon Calder explains what to consider before booking [REVIEW]
‘DISGUSTED’ French doctors issue second wave warning [COMMENT]
Spain holidays: Latest FCO advice for Britons [VIDEO]

“We have only used enforcement when it has been absolutely necessary to do so.

“The vast majority of people our officers have spoken to have been really understanding and have listened to the advice we have given them.

“It’s pleasing that in this instance members of the community have been really supportive, actively helping with bringing some normality and encouraging people to follow the rules.

“Our priority is to keep people safe and we have found, as we did with the incident on this street, that by escalating our response appropriately and only where necessary we have resolved things safely.”

The large scale commemorative events for VE Day were cancelled because of the lockdown restrictions, but some communities held social distanced parties.

Source: Read Full Article

Related Posts