People are urged not to use the skatepark in Warminster following reports of repeated breaches in Covid-19 guidance.
At last night’s full town council meeting, Sergeant Kevin Harmsworth said Wiltshire Police had been out over the last weekend to the breaches and warned young people and their parents against using the skatepark.
Sergeant Harmsworth said that under lockdown 3, Wiltshire Police believes that people have had enough time to absorb lockdown rules.
He said when someone breaks the rules their name is added to a list and should they breach those rules again the police will move to issue fines or arrest rulebreakers.
For young people under the age of 18, their parents can be liable.
Sergeant Harmsworth, from the Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Over the weekend we carried out proactive patrols in the area and officers gave warnings to young people and their parents who were found at the park.
“Our policy is to engage first and communicate with our communities about the lockdown rules, but we will move to enforcement if we are faced with repeated and deliberate breaches.
“Please could everyone remember the importance of the current restrictions and the fact that they are in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and ultimately save lives.”
On the town council website, town clerk, Fiona Fox, wrote that they are receiving continued reports from both Wiltshire Police and members of the public, that people are still using the skatepark.
She added: “This is in direct contravention of the government’s Covid-19 rules and is happening despite the installation of barriers, notices and a press release stating that the skatepark is closed. Please, stop using the facility.
“We share the frustration of not being able to use the skatepark but consider the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 to your family and friends.
“We urge you to go to the gov.uk website to remind yourself of the rules, and to take personal responsibility.”
Below is a video from chief constable, Kier Pritchard, outlining the policing style adopted in Wiltshire during the latest lockdown.
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