Covid chaos: Nottingham park closes to prevent more gatherings
Rajiv Popat reports
The Arboretum has been closed in Nottingham after hundreds of people gathered there on Monday 29 March, ITV News Central understands.
On the day some coronavirus restrictions were eased, footage emerged on social media of crowds partying in the park, climbing trees, dancing, fighting, urinating and drinking alcohol.
Credit: Ashley Kirk
Huge piles of rubbish were also left strewn across the grass.
Since Monday morning, two households or groups of up to six people have been allowed to meet outside in England, and one person interviewed there said they were simply following the rules,
But police have now put a dispersal order in placed at The Arboretum - with community protection officers on the gates and extra police patrols over the coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper added:
“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 roadmap out of lockdown, by keeping the virus at bay.”
The leader of the City Council said he was horrified that people would take such risks, in a city which has lost more than 600 people to Covid, and people have made such great sacrifices.
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