POLICE gave nine people at a 30th birthday party in Park North £200 fines for breaking coronavirus guidelines.

Two of the guests had travelled from the Nottingham area to attend the gathering. The other seven were from Swindon.

Rutland Road neighbours called the police on Saturday night and when officers arrived, they found loud music playing, disco lights shining, and a buffet which included food, a birthday cake and alcohol.

Seven men and two women, all aged between 23 and 35, received £200 fixed penalty notices.

In the last week, between February 8 and 14, Wiltshire Police issued 54 fixed penalty notices, which brings the overall total to 571.

Officers gave 69 formal warnings to people for failing to adhere to the government rules.

They recorded 197 reports from members of the public, either via the phone or using our online reporting tool.

And finally, they recorded eight Covid-related crimes and 28 Covid-related incidents.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said this was now the third week running that the police had issued more than 50 fixed penalty notices, which highlighted that there were still a significant group of people who were ignoring the government’s lockdown rules.

He said: “It is incredibly disappointing that people are still choosing to the flout the rules in this way, showing a complete disregard for the ongoing pandemic and the sacrifices that so many people are making every day to help keep others safe.

“There is no excuse – we all know the rules and the reasons why they are in place.

“These types of gatherings and parties pose a risk to public health and undermine the efforts of the vast majority who continue to do their bit to stop the spread of Covid-19.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson added: “I applaud the efforts of all our police officers and staff who continue to be out in our communities, protecting the public and tackling crime.

“They are putting themselves at risk and it is unacceptable that, on top of their usual duties, they are having to deal with so many instances of people breaching lockdown.

“Not only does it take police time and resources away from other matters, but it puts those officers and staff at increased risk of catching Covid-19.”

This comes just two weeks after police gave out fines totalling £18,400 to 23 revellers at a birthday party on Primrose Close in Haydon Wick.

Guests had travelled from as far afield as Lincolnshire and Gloucestershire to attend the party, which is strictly against the government’s lockdown rules.

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