CREWE residents are being urged to stick to Covid guidelines ahead of Easter bank holiday weekend.

Cheshire Police have issued the warning after the latest relaxation of coronavirus restrictions on Monday triggered an exodus outdoors with this week's fine weather.

The force is stressing coronavirus is still a threat and says it will tackle those disregarding the rules.

It has already issued 1,556 Fixed Penalty Notices for Covid breaches between January 4, when lockdown was imposed, and last weekend (March 28).

In the Crewe police division 213 fines were slapped on rule-breakers; the third highest in the county behind Warrington and Chester.

The new rules allow all outdoor activity for children alongside outdoor parent and child groups for up to 15 people.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "Although it is great to see the relaxation of restrictions across the country we must not become complacent. The threat of coronavirus is still very much with us and we must stick to the rules and guidance in place in order to continue to see a drop in the number of cases.

"This includes the wearing of face coverings and social distancing when you are with people from outside of your household.

"The relaxation of the rules offer a glimmer of hope in allowing families to meet, as long as you follow the rule of six or meet with one other household outdoors."

While the government has removed the 'stay at home' order, the advice is to continue to minimise travel when necessary.

And the police chief stressed: "Sadly, the fact remains that you will not be able to meet with family and friends indoors as it is still deemed too risky at this stage. We must respect the rules in place and, by doing this, we can stick to the national roadmap, which will guide us out of these restrictions.

"We expect to see a lot of people flocking to the county's beauty spots over the bank holiday. Although we welcome visitors, we would urge that you please think whether your journey is necessary and whether you can do this closer to home."