Atherstone police thank 'public-spirited' individual for tip-off in dire warning over barbecue revellers ignoring Covid-19 rules

By Nick Hudson 7th Apr 2020

FORMER TORY PARTY LEADER IAIN DUNCAN SMITH SAYS PEOPLE MUST THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHAT THEY RISK BY FLOUTING SOCIAL DISTANCING REGULATIONS

A GOOD Samaritan alerted Atherstone cops preventing an "unnecessary strain" on resources already stretched to the limit by coronavirus as the Government sounded a stern warning on remote-location barbecues breaking social distancing rules.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team for Atherstone and surrounding areas thanked the public-spirited person for flagging them down to tell them about evidence of a bonfire.

The North Warwickshire police officers took to social media to urge people to follow the simple message that staying at home will save lives.

The Atherstone and Coleshill team tweeted: "Do not create a bonfire at a remote location which can put unnecessary added strain on resources ."

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith went further today when he said the Government is concerned about people flouting social distancing regulations.

He added: "I hope people who may have wandered out and decided they can sit around having barbecues will really think about this carefully and recognise this is serious.

With a clear reference to a gravely-ill Prime Minister Boris Johnson in intensive care after testing positive to Covid-19, he added: "If the most powerful man in Britain can come down with this, so can you".

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service also urged caution over lighting fires in back gardens as coronavirus can cause significant respiratory problems for people who contract the virus.

So people managing their symptoms at home may need to have their windows open to help them breathe better with smoke coming from a fire exacerbating their breathing difficulties.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services Group Manager, Tim Sargent said: "At this time, we are urging residents to think of others. "We have already seen a small rise in fires in people's back gardens and we don't want the situation to get any worse. "People may not realise it, but the effects of bonfires at this time are likely to be much more serious and have a bigger impact on the health of those suffering from the virus or other respiratory conditions. "Therefore, we are urging residents not to burn garden waste or other materials during this period of the lockdown. "This will not only help the health and well-being of those at home who may be ill, but it will also significantly reduce the chances of a fire getting out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties, which creates extra pressure on the already busy emergency services. Meanwhile, these images show the Atherstone North SNT has been out on patrol – on bikes and vehicles – checking among other things Pooley Park and well as bringing a smile to the faces of the vulnerable in the area – with deliveries of food during these troubled times in partnership with North Warwickshire Borough Council.

     

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