Booze parties on the banks of River Ayr
Seven arrests and 152 fixed penalty notices issued
Lockdown parties have been taking place on the banks of the River Ayr, a councillor has warned.
South Ayrshire Council had to clear away drink cans rubbish left after a boozeup beside Craigholm Bridge linking Holmston and Craigie.
A group of youths were seen drinking on the Holmston side by a resident - despite a ban on group gatherings.
Councillor Ian Cavana said booze sessions have been taking place on both sides of the bridge.
The Ayr North Labour saw Tennent’s lager multi- packs left behind on the Craigie bank - with the bin full to the brink.
He said: “It is obvious that people have been having parties at the side of the river during this situation. The bin was overflowing.
“I would tell them please go away. They should not be outside. If this is young people I ask what are mum and dad doing? They should not be out - let alone drinking.”
Councillor Cavana saw the leftovers of the social get together just over a week ago while out for a walk.
He said: “I also saw a sleeping bag so someone has been sleeping outside, which is worrying. It is unusual as homeless people normally stay in the town and take their sleeping bags with them.”
Police in Ayrshire handed out 152 fixed penalty notices to people breaking coronavirus social distancing restrictions between Friday, March 27 and Thursday, April 23.
Seven people were arrested and 243 people were dispersed.
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain has thanked people in Ayrshire for sticking with the requirement to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
The divisional commander has also urged everyone to continue complying with the physical distancing guidance.
He said: “People are making significant sacrifices to their day- to- day lives and I am grateful to everyone who is playing their part in the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives.
“Although the warm weather would normally see people out enjoying our green spaces and coastal areas, we must stick with the physical distancing guidance at this time.
“Police Scotland officers are out on the street round the clock, engaging with our fellow citizens, explaining the legislation and encouraging compliance. Only as a last resort are we using the enforcement powers available to us, largely on occasions where people have been holding house parties or attending public gatherings against the very clear instructions.
“Please, only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, for daily exercise, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done at home.
“Avoid driving as much as possible. Use spaces close to home for exercise and do not drive for leisure. Do not travel to take exercise and do not hold house parties with people from outwith your household.
“The Chief Constable has been clear that policing in
Scotland is based on consent of the public and I thank everyone in the division for the continued co- operation and support at this extraordinary time.”
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said that across Scotland 1637 fixed penalty issues had been issed and 78 arrests had taken place.
He added: “On the small number of occasions where officers have taken enforcement action, this has largely been in response to house parties or public gatherings, while a small minority of irresponsible and selfish people who repeatedly and wilfully break the law, have now received multiple fixed penalty notices.
“I am grateful for the very high levels of support and cooperation we have seen thus far.
“These are however extraordinary emergency powers which were introduced quickly and the Chief Constable has commissioned John Scott QC to lead an independent, external, review on our use of them.”