Police call for people to keep to guidelines and stay away from national parks, beaches and beauty spots as sunny weekend forecast

Turn down the temptation to hit the coast and beauty spots, police have urged as the weekend arrives.
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Northumbria Police has said while sunnier weather means people want to get out of the house, it says it’s down to communities staying close to home in line with the Government’s guidelines that the spread of COVID-19 will be controlled.

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It says its partners have continued to report empty car parks in beauty spots, ranging from Hadrian’s Wall to the beaches of South Shields and Sunderland.

Northumbria Police's Chief superintendent Janice Hutton has thanked people who have stuck to the lockdown guidance so far, but hopes they will continue to stay close to home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.Northumbria Police's Chief superintendent Janice Hutton has thanked people who have stuck to the lockdown guidance so far, but hopes they will continue to stay close to home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Northumbria Police's Chief superintendent Janice Hutton has thanked people who have stuck to the lockdown guidance so far, but hopes they will continue to stay close to home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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Chief superintendent Janice Hutton has urged everyone keep up the good work, ahead of this coming weekend.

She said: “We understand that now the weather is improving, people naturally want to spend more time outdoors and what’s great is that the majority of you are making sure you do so in line with the Government’s guidance - exercising close to home and avoiding our national parks, beaches and beauty spots and for that we are really grateful.”

Councillor Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety for South Tyneside Council, added: “It is important that we do get out and exercise but it is also important that this is done locally.

“It is great to see so many people following these rules and staying clear of areas which could become highly populated such as beaches, parks and coastlines.

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“This is a difficult time for us all but it is vital that we do our bit by staying at home as key workers continue to keep the country going.

“Thank you for everyone’s co-operation during this extremely challenging time – let’s keep it up.”

Tony Gates, CEO at Northumberland National Park, added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone back when the timing is right, but for now we want to thank everyone for continuing to follow government guidelines and as we approach another weekend we ask everyone to keep this up by staying at home, protecting the NHS.”

The force has said anyone who would like to contact it about a non-urgent issue can pass on details through its website – rather than calling 101 – but has said 999 should be called in an emergency.

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