‘We are still in lockdown’: Covid fines issued in ‘very busy’ Derbyshire areas over sunny weekend

Officers said Matlock and Matlock Bath were ‘very busy’ as the sun shone during the eighth weekend of the third national shutdown aimed at stopping the spread of Covid-19.

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A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said on Monday: “We issued eight fixed penalty notices to people in the Matlock area this weekend and spoke to countless others to make sure they were adhering to the current lockdown rules.

“Officers fined people who had travelled a significant distance to the area, as well as people who were travelling in cars with others who were not from their household or support bubble.

“Although we are all looking forward to the easing of restrictions in the coming months, we are still in lockdown and we all have a responsibility to adhere to the rules in order to bring infection rates down and save lives.

“Matlock and Matlock Bath were very busy this weekend and officers will be on patrol again this coming weekend to engage with people and make sure they are abiding by the rules.”

On Saturday, Matlock Safer Neighbourhood Team tweeted: “It is like a bank holiday today. We’re in a lockdown. We are issuing Covid-19 fixed penalty notices for those breaching the regulations. Go home.”

They said they pulled over the driver of a Seat Ibiza who was forced to return to Mansfield after visiting Matlock Bath for fish and chips with their friends.

Meanwhile, a BMW was stopped for missing a front number plate and officers found a ‘family from Stoke-on-Trent out for a drive’.

“Not essential so TOR (traffic offence report) issued and Covid fine incoming,” they tweeted.

A driver from Ilkeston was also stopped cruising the streets with two friends from different households. Covid tickets were issued.

Residents have also taken to social media to complain about littering over the weekend.

One woman said on the Hollingwood Residents’ Facebook page: “So two days of lovely spring sunshine and the football field next to the pub on Monday morning resembled the aftermath of Glastonbury.

“How hard is it to take your rubbish to the bin or even better bag it up and take it home.

“It’s disgusting!”

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