Wish you weren’t here
POLICE ATTEND LIDO AS BANK HOLIDAY CROWDS ENJOY THE SUNSHINE
POLICE were called to Ruislip Lido in Hillingdon over the bank holiday weekend as crowds flocked to enjoy the sunshine but were reportedly not abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Hillingdon Police shared a photo of the packed beach online on Monday as they expressed their concerns that those pictured were not taking care to maintain the requisite two metres distance from each other during the coronavirus lockdown.
They tweeted: “Police have been called to Ruislip Lido to reports of large group gathering.
“Please use common sense when it comes to social distancing. #Covid19UK”
A member of the public tweeted: “Is that picture a stock photo or now?” The police answered: “That is now.”
Earlier on Monday, Hillingdon Police had tweeted: “Hopefully you will have the opportunity to bask in the sunshine but please remember to follow the #StayAlert guidance.”
Before the bank holiday weekend many had expressed fears that Ruislip Lido, a 60-acre lake with a sandy beach and woodlands, continues to welcome residents along with all Hillingdon parks and open spaces in the borough.
Concerns had been shared on social media that people had flocked to the reservoir, putting others at risk.
Carolyn Towner, who posted a video of a queue on Facebook, said: “The queue of cars waiting to park at Ruislip Lido, to lie on the beach, with hundreds of others, during the worst pandemic for over a hundred years. If it was just them, I wouldn’t care, but they are endangering residents and some poor bloody nurse with no PPE is going to have to strap them on a ventilator in a couple of weeks.
“Encouraged by our idiot government, while the local council stands by and watches and does nothing.”
Hillingdon Council, which manages the free attraction, said the lido can be used for exercise and leisure in line with government guidance.
A spokesperson said: “These spaces provide residents with opportunities for physical activity and help mental well-being.
“However, we are continuing to remind residents to adhere to government guidance on social distancing and are working with the police to conduct patrols.”
In England police have powers to hand out fines starting at £100, and can reach up to £3,200 for those repeatedly breaking the rules. According to the Met Office, temperatures hit 26 degrees on Thursday, May 21, and new coronavirus rules have given people more freedom to enjoy the sunshine.
Under the relaxed guidelines, people can travel by car as far as they want to do exercise. Previously this was limited to walking distances from your home in the local area. Sunbathing is also now allowed, and residents can meet one person who they do not live with in an open space, as long as they keep two metres apart.