Rushcliffe

COVID WARNING ISSUED. Leader of the Rushcliffe area police Insp. Craig Berry has sounded a warning for businesses and residents to stay within the Government rules imposed because of the Covid-19 situation. And recent actions his offices have performed underline this, with confirming that a pub in Cropwell Bishop and a restaurant in East Bridgford have been closed down after being found to be flouting the rules.

The owners of the Wheatsheaf pub and the Indian Nights restaurant have also been given £1,000 fines, while three customers found drinking at the pub were each given £200 fines.

The prohibition notice means both premises are banned from allowing even takeaway customers to enter and both businesses have now also received a prohibition notice, ensuring they cannot allow individuals to enter the premises to consume food or drink.

Rushcliffe Borough Council leader Councillor Simon Robinson said: “It is shocking to see two businesses breaching lockdown restrictions at a time when so many in Rushcliffe have adapted brilliantly to offer takeaway and delivery safely instead of having to resort to flouting the rules.

“In undermining the current lockdown, these venues have demonstrated complete disregard for their customers, staff and local communities at a crucial time in our fight against COVID-19.

“We will continue to advise and educate business owners as to their responsibilities and we thank the vast majority of Rushcliffe businesses for their compliance to date and for playing their part in keeping customers and staff safe.

“COVID restrictions are in place to protect everyone and we say to all business owners please do not place yourself in a position like this which is putting lives at risk. Contact us if you need support to trade.”

Rushcliffe Inspector Craig Berry said: “Nottinghamshire Police and local councils have been working together throughout the pandemic to ensure people’s safety and where people risk public safety by flouting the national legislation we will take firm action.

“We understand businesses are struggling at the moment through loss of trade but our overriding concern is keeping people safe and we have a duty to ensure the law is upheld for the benefit of the entire community.

“During these separate visits on Wednesday by the police and council, both venues were issued with a prohibition notice and a fixed penalty notice.

“We are pleased with the partnership approach and will not tolerate flouting the Covid-19 legislation and we will take positive action.”

Police were called to a house in Bingham at the weekend following a report of a Covid breach where four men from different households was found. Officers issued all four with £200 fixed penalty notices.

Inspector Berry added: “It was clear that the people were flouting the Covid-19 restrictions and created a situation where they were not only putting themselves at risk but their loved ones and everyone else they come into contact with.

“These restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of this deadly virus and to save lives.

“Most people across the county have been playing their part in limiting the spread of the virus by obeying the law but sadly there are some people who refuse to adhere to our efforts to engage, explain and educate and consequently we will not hesitate to work with our partners to enforce the regulations.”

Inspector Berry says: “Nottinghamshire Police and local councils have been working together throughout the pandemic to ensure people’s safety and where people risk public safety by flouting the national legislation we will take firm action.

“We understand businesses are struggling at the moment through loss of trade but our overriding concern is keeping people safe and we have a duty to ensure the law is upheld for the benefit of the entire community.”