Boris to Outline Cautious Roadmap as Wiltshire Clamps Down on Lockdown Fines
Tonight, Boris Johnson will update the nation on his slow and steady plan to ease Covid restrictions. But don’t expect a free-for-all just yet—he’s set to stress the need to keep socialising low to keep the virus in check.
Wiltshire Police Hand Out 45 Fines in a Week – Three House Parties Busted in Swindon Alone
Wiltshire Police have hit lockdown breakers hard. In the past week, they’ve slapped 45 fines on rule-breakers, pushing the total since lockdown began to 623. They’ve also issued 78 official warnings and logged nearly 300 public reports about Covid breaches.
Most fines targeted indoor gatherings. Three separate house parties in Swindon became costly affairs over the weekend:
- Barnum Court, Rodbourne: Early Sunday, cops caught nine partygoers, aged 24 to 55, each fined £200.
- Yersin Court, Old Town: Soon after, another group of nine, aged 21 to 44, was caught drinking and blasting music. Fines all round.
- Hughes Street, Rodbourne: On Sunday afternoon, seven people holding a BBQ got the same £200 fines, aged between 30 and 43.
Top Brass Warn Against Complacency: “No Quick Exit”
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills warned: “The Government have made it clear there will be no quick exit from lockdown and many restrictions will remain for months.”
“We all must stay cautious, avoid complacency and help keep communities safe. While most people are following the rules and missing their loved ones, incidents like these parties cause frustration. Rest assured, we won’t tolerate blatant rule-breakers and will act swiftly.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson added: “The vaccine rollout is a bright spot, allowing plans for normal life to begin. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We must stick to the rules through spring and possibly summer.”
“I urge everyone to wait for the official announcements tonight and keep doing their bit.”
With fines piling up and warnings flying, Wiltshire is sending a stark message: lockdown rules are no joke, and the party is still very much over.
