CONCERNS have been raised about people in Worcester breaching the new lockdown rules, whether through ignorance or just sheer disregard for the restrictions.

People are now allowed to meet "one member of another household" in a public place, as long as social distancing is maintained.

However, the image above shows a gathering of five people - which would break current rules - at Perdiswell Park, Worcester, on Thursday evening, and residents across the city have reported similar breaches.

Worcester city councillor Richard Udall said: “Clearly there are problems all over the city and I urge residents to be sensible and not to break the rules.”

Chief constable Anthony Bangham, of West Mercia Police, said: “Now we are able to spend more time outdoors, there is opportunity to see friends and family on a one-to-one basis - each of us needs to take responsibility for doing so sensibly, safely and within the parameters set out by the government. I am confident that the vast majority of our communities will continue to play their part and take sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe.

“We will continue to engage with the public, explaining and encouraging people in relation to the guidance and social distancing, and we will only take enforcement action where it is absolutely necessary - when there are clear breaches of the restrictions, predominantly people gathering in large groups.

“If you travel somewhere and it’s busy, please be sensible and go elsewhere or return at a different time - keep in mind the purpose of the regulations.”

The Chief Constable also took the opportunity to thank members of public for adhering to the lockdown measures so far.

He added: “We appreciate the support that the communities across West Mercia have shown during the Covid-19 lockdown, with most people abiding by the guidance and staying at home to minimise the spread of infection, requiring us to take very minimal enforcement action.

“Please be responsible and continue to work with us. We all still find ourselves in very challenging circumstances and we appreciate that the public has responded so positively to the extraordinary restrictions placed upon them.”

A total of 14,244 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws were issued by police forces in England and Wales up to May 11.

CONCERNS have been raised about people in Worcester breaching the new lockdown rules, whether through ignorance or just sheer disregard for the restrictions.

People are now allowed to meet "one member of another household" in a public place, as long as social distancing is maintained.

However, the image above shows a gathering of five people - which would break current rules - at Perdiswell Park, Worcester, on Thursday evening, and residents across the city have reported similar breaches.

Worcester city councillor Richard Udall said: “Clearly there are problems all over the city and I urge residents to be sensible and not to break the rules.”

Chief constable Anthony Bangham, of West Mercia Police, said: “Now we are able to spend more time outdoors, there is opportunity to see friends and family on a one-to-one basis - each of us needs to take responsibility for doing so sensibly, safely and within the parameters set out by the government. I am confident that the vast majority of our communities will continue to play their part and take sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe.

“We will continue to engage with the public, explaining and encouraging people in relation to the guidance and social distancing, and we will only take enforcement action where it is absolutely necessary - when there are clear breaches of the restrictions, predominantly people gathering in large groups.

“If you travel somewhere and it’s busy, please be sensible and go elsewhere or return at a different time - keep in mind the purpose of the regulations.”

The Chief Constable also took the opportunity to thank members of public for adhering to the lockdown measures so far.

He added: “We appreciate the support that the communities across West Mercia have shown during the Covid-19 lockdown, with most people abiding by the guidance and staying at home to minimise the spread of infection, requiring us to take very minimal enforcement action.

“Please be responsible and continue to work with us. We all still find ourselves in very challenging circumstances and we appreciate that the public has responded so positively to the extraordinary restrictions placed upon them.”

A total of 14,244 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws were issued by police forces in England and Wales up to May 11.