Police getting tough with beauty spot rule breakers
VISITORS to a South Derbyshire stately home had an expensive trip out after police handed out fines to those breaching coronavirus rules.
National Trust-run Calke Abbey, in Ticknall, was visited by officers from the Swadlincote Police Safer Neighbourhood Team to check that those who were using the venue for their daily exercise were from the local area and had not travelled far - in breach of lockdown rules.
The grounds surrounding the historic building are still open to visitors to take a walk while enjoying the scenic views but only people who live locally are allowed to visit under the new government rules for the third lockdown. The main house is closed.
Local is defined as people staying within their village, town or part of the city where they live.
To make sure visitors are from the nearby area, police have been at the venue stopping people and questioning them about where they have come from. They have been handing out fines to anyone caught who is not from the area.
It comes after the country was plunged into a third lockdown as the number of new cases of coronavirus continues to spread.
Police at Calke Abbey said they handed out a number of fines to visitors who were deemed not to be from the local area, saying that people from Nottingham, Leicester and even Burton just over the border in Staffordshire could not use the grounds as they lived too far away. A spokesman for the team said: “Officers from across South Derbyshire safer neighbourhood team have been conducting proactive patrols at tourist attractions.
“Strong, effective engagement with visitors to these places has resulted in a number of fines being issued. You cannot travel from Nottingham, Leicester, Burton, use your local park or open space - you have to stay local to your area.
“Everyone is reminded to stay home and follow current guidance. “Despite the extremely cold weather conditions - below zero all day - a high-profile presence was maintained.
“Please adhere to the rules or you will be fined. Stay home, Stay safe.”
Those breaching the rules for the first time will be hit with a fixed penalty notice of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400. There are even tougher penalties for more serious offences such as organising a rave.
It is expected that restrictions will not be lifted until mid-february, however, other ministers have warned it could be March.
Police have also been carrying out checks at nearby Foremark Reservoir to make sure people using the beauty spot for their daily exercise were locals, with anyone caught breaking the rules risking a fine.