Beauty spot busy with people soaking up sun
VISITORS FLOCK TO FOREMARK TO MAKE MOST OF RESTRICTIONS EASING AND 20 DEGREE HEAT
CROWDS of people flocked to a tourist hotspot in South Derbyshire to enjoy the sun after Covid restrictions were eased this week.
With temperatures reaching 20 degrees on Tuesday and yesterday, people made their way to Foremark Reservoir, near Repton, to enjoy time in the sun and catch up with friends and family.
Since Monday, people have been allowed to meet in groups of up to six outdoors as part of the Government’s roadmap out of Covid lockdown.
The beach area at the reservoir on the edge of the water was particularly popular, with families soaking up the rays while relaxing with picnics.
The venue is always busy. Last year it was a hotspot for parking issues as droves of people arrived to picnic on hot days, causing issues on roads in the area.
Police issued many tickets to drivers who caused obstructions.
Officers have also patrolled the site catching Covid rulebreakers who had travelled from outside the area during lockdown.
Outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens, are now allowed for up to six people or two households, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.
With the temperatures unseasonably high, the venue is set to attract more people again, with bosses warning they will take necessary action and close the site if it gets too busy. They also said this would apply over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
A spokesperson for owners Severn Trent Water said: “It’s great to see visitors enjoying the warmer weather at Foremark water this week.
“After further easing of restrictions on Monday and with Easter weekend just around the corner, we’d like to remind everyone to act responsibly and stick to the latest government guidelines.
“This includes following the rule of six or two households, and maintaining social distancing.
“To keep everyone safe, we may need to close the site if the car park gets too busy. Unfortunately, this means visitors need to be prepared to turn around and head home if that happens.”
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools have also been allowed to reopen this week and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
The ‘stay at home’ rule ended but people should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes, the Covid rules say. Travel abroad is still prohibited at the moment, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad are not allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme, said a government spokesman.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen from April 12 serving people outdoors, including in beer gardens.
We’d like to remind everyone to act responsibly and stick to the latest government guidelines
Severn Trent