PARTY-GOERS in Crewe were fined for flouting of coronavirus rules.

The five, who were discovered together at an address in town, were among 126 people in Crewe receiving Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) as part of Cheshire Police's crackdown.

The force has again urged residents to stick the rules after issuing a total of 685 FPNs in the first month of lockdown.

Crewe is a particular area of concern going by the figures with only Warrington in the county having seen more fines (155) dished out to those not complying with Covid-19 rules. In Chester 118, 83 in Widnes and 60 in Macclesfield.

Officers have dealt with a range of breaches from gatherings, businesses remaining open when required to close and people out without reasonable excuse.

Over the last weekend (February 5/7) 116 FPNs were issued across the county, 15 of them after a party at an address in Alderley Edge which had been hired through an online booking site.

When police attended on Saturday evening a man at the property claimed everyone inside was from the same household.

But when they entered officers found balloons, party banners and alcohol and the "blatant breach of the lockdown restrictions" became apparent.

While police explained the lockdown rules to those gathered some of the house-goers attempted to hide away in cupboards.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "While the majority of Cheshire residents are abiding to the rules, there are still a minority who are bending and blatantly breaching restrictions which are in place to save lives.

"Officers are risking their own health to protect Cheshire residents from this deadly virus and when they are met by blatant and repeat breaches they will enforce without delay.

"There are many more people in hospital with the virus during this lockdown than at any time during the pandemic. This is why it is so important that people continue to stick to the regulations, we will only get through this health emergency by us all doing the right thing.

"We know that most residents have been incredibly supportive and have assisted our efforts by staying at home."

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "By sticking to the lockdown regulations we will not only protect our loved ones but also those most vulnerable in our communities by reducing the spread of coronavirus."

Police say they follow an approach of "engage, explain and encourage" but if there are blatant and/or repeat breaches of the rules, they will enforce immediately.

To report a coronavirus breach go here.

Notes to Editors