Paisley Daily Express

STOP THE PARTIES NOW

Frustrated cops break up bashes in homes Ignorant louts hit with fixed penalties Buddies continue to ignore Covid-19 rules

- DAVID CAMPBELL

Selfish louts continue to flaunt strict lockdown rules by hosting house parties across Renfrewshi­re, police have revealed.

Frustrated cops in Paisley have been forced to shut down a series of illegal gatherings, despite dire warnings from health officials about spreading the deadly disease.

Shoppers also continue to gather in Paisley town centre with no regard for the two metres distancing guidance.

Police officers on patrol in the town’s Lang Street on Thursday evening found a selfish homeowner throwing a bash with pals.

They ordered three people inside to leave, but, when they returned an hour later, the party was still in full swing.

The 29- year- o l d homeowner was handed a Fixed Penalty Notice under the new Covid-19 laws and the other three people were told to clear

out.

The same night police swooped on a flat on Gallowhill Road after reports of a disturbanc­e inside.

When they arrived they found three people drinking together - again breaching strict social distancing protocols.

A 21- year- old man and a 29-year-old woman were handed tickets after they refused to leave.

Another man agreed to head home.

It’s understood another party in Johnstone was also broken up on Thursday night but no tickets were given

Police Scotland announced more than 500 fines had been handed out across Scotland since the force was given new powers to enforce the coronaviru­s lockdown.

Chief Constable Iain Livingston­e insisted most people are complying with the rules but officers were still finding people having parties and meetings.

He said: “The vast majority of people are continuing to do the right thing”.

Mr Livingston­e added fines have typically been issued “during periods when people have not complied with legal instructio­ns even after being spoken to - for example, house parties, or gatherings where people have refused to disperse.

He added: “With the continued support and cooperatio­n of our fellow citizens, Police Scotland will explain the legal instructio­ns, encourage compliance and, when needed, enforce the law.”

Police Scotland can issue penalty notices of £ 60, reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days.

 ??  ?? Busy Shoppers in Paisley
Busy Shoppers in Paisley

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