Dispersal order against hundreds of people drinking and ignoring social distancing in Nottingham park

Footage posted on social media captured a brawl, dozens of people drinking and ignoring social distancing rules, leaving behind large amounts of litter at Nottingham Arboretum.

The scenes led the leader of Nottingham City Council to call for everyone to take personal responsibility for sticking to rules as they are eased.

Councillor David Mellen said a selfish minority had abused the easing of restrictions, adding: “We have all made sacrifices over the last year to keep each other safe.

“Over 600 local people have died due to the virus.

“We owe it to their families, to each other and to frontline workers not to jeopardise the strides we have made towards reducing the spread of Covid by acting so thoughtlessly and recklessly.

“The road map is a cautious way out of this terrible situation and we all need to abide strictly to its rules.

“They currently allow up to six people or two households to meet outside but other necessary precautions such as social distancing remain in place.”

Alcohol will be seized from people entering parks from Tuesday, Mr Mellen said, amid an increased police presence.

Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “While we can of course understand people’s desire to want to be out in the sun and enjoying these mild temperatures we are currently experiencing, the Government and our health colleagues remain extremely cautious and advise that people continue to minimise social contact.

“We would like to remind people that we are still only partly out of lockdown measures.

“This week has seen the easing of some of the restrictions but we are still required to keep our distance from each other and only mix with one other household outdoors, up to six people.

“We are aware of a number of residents choosing to be out in the Arboretum.

“The behaviour yesterday was unacceptable and we are disappointed people decided to behave in this selfish way.

“That is why we have now taken the decision to put a dispersal order in place.

“Our officers will continue to engage with people to ensure they are still sticking to the rules.

“It is up to us all to keep to the measures so we can continue on the road map out of lockdown, by keeping the virus at bay.”

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