Exasperated Derbyshire residents say beauty spots were 'inundated' over half-term despite lockdown

Fed up Derbyshire residents have contested a police comment that people are ‘finally getting the message’ about travelling during lockdown, claiming beauty spots were ‘rammed as usual’ over half-term.
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The outraged comments came flooding in after officers from Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak Villages SNT posted on their Facebook page, saying: “Two months into lockdown and people finally seem to be getting the message- stay at home.”

Officers had been in the Chatsworth area on Sunday (February 21) which they said was quiet compared to the ‘last few weeks, when it’s been like a Bank Holiday’.

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But many Peak District residents disagreed that the Stay at Home message was being taken seriously.

Matlock Bath pictured during the first lockdown- and residents claim not much has changed. Picture by Tom Maddick/SWNS.Matlock Bath pictured during the first lockdown- and residents claim not much has changed. Picture by Tom Maddick/SWNS.
Matlock Bath pictured during the first lockdown- and residents claim not much has changed. Picture by Tom Maddick/SWNS.

Carl Bradford said: “Are you for real? It’s like a normal half term in the Hope Valley. Busiest weekend of ‘lockdown’ yet.”

And Craig Wilson said: “Can’t say the same about Castleton. Some seem to think they’re above the law and the restrictions don’t apply to them and don’t seem to give a toss if they’re spreading the disease. It’s a joke.”

Lynn Bryan added: “It’s packed in Ringinglow. Local people can’t get into their driveways, cars double parked, people in large groups and too many people throwing their rubbish on the ground even though there are bins.”

Police said Chatsworth was quieter than usual over the weekend and remarked that th Stay at Home message may finally be sinking in.Police said Chatsworth was quieter than usual over the weekend and remarked that th Stay at Home message may finally be sinking in.
Police said Chatsworth was quieter than usual over the weekend and remarked that th Stay at Home message may finally be sinking in.
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“Are you joking?” said Pauline Ward. “Up at Fox House and the surprise car park is packed. Saw six lads all getting out of one car. No one social distancing. Its beyond a joke.”

Carol Finnet said: “Cyclists everywhere in and around Tideswell. Just been for a walk and a group of at least ten, all riding together, passed us. It’s wrong and very unfair. As soon as we have a bit of better weather, we get inundated by all these total idiots from further afield.”

Derbyshire Police have had to contend with many instances of people travelling into the Peak District from further afield during lockdown, and have so far handed out more than 900 fines for Covid breaches- five of these were for the maximum amount of £10,000.

The force has been accused of a “heavy handed” approach to fines for Covid-19 breaches and faced criticism early on in the pandemic for its use of a drone compilation video of walkers breaching lockdown in the Peak District.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.