Boris to Outline Slow Lift of Lockdown – But Wiltshire Partygoers Face Hefty Fines
Tonight, Boris Johnson will deliver a crucial update on easing lockdown restrictions. But he’s set to warn the nation to keep social contacts limited to beat Covid-19.
Wiltshire Police Crack Down on Rule-Breakers
In the last week, Wiltshire Police slapped 45 fines on Covid rule-breakers. Officers busted three separate house parties in Swindon alone on Sunday (21/02).
- Between 15/02 and 21/02, they handed out a total of 45 fixed penalty notices – bringing the overall tally to 623 since the pandemic began (including some retrospective fines).
- 78 formal warnings were also issued for Covid breaches.
- The force recorded 298 public reports, plus seven Covid-related crimes and 23 incidents.
Swindon’s Partygoers Pay the Price
The fines mostly targeted indoor gatherings. Over the weekend, 25 flouters at three house parties in Swindon faced £200 fines each:
- Early Sunday, nine people aged 24 to 55 were caught partying at a Barnum Court, Rodbourne address.
- Later, nine revellers aged 21 to 44 were slammed with fines for drinking and blasting music in Yersin Court, Old Town.
- The third party was a barbecue on Hughes Street, Rodbourne, where seven attendees aged 30 to 43 were fined.
Law Enforcers Tell Public: No Let-Up in Lockdown Yet
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said: “The Government’s roadmap is cautious and a sign of hope, but restrictions will remain for months. We must all keep following the rules. The weekend’s house parties will frustrate the vast majority who play by the law and miss their loved ones. We won’t tolerate blatant disobedience and will enforce penalties swiftly on selfish rule-breakers.”
Police & Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson added: “The vaccine rollout is good news, with some light at the tunnel’s end. But we mustn’t get complacent. Please wait for official announcements tonight, and keep sticking to rules that could last into summer. It’s how we all stay safe.”
