Lincolnshire Police has urged people to behave responsibly and stick to the COVID-19 guidance this Easter weekend.
It comes after lockdown rules relaxed slightly this week, allowing for up to six people from different households to meet outdoors.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts also returned on March 29, but the rule of six does still apply to those settings.
People across Lincolnshire enjoyed these relaxed regulations by enjoying warm days at the beginning of the week, but officers are asking for the public to stay within the guidelines.
Some took the relaxation too far, with 35 people being fined in Cleethorpes this week after large amounts of litter were left at the North East Lincolnshire resort.
Litter in Pier Gardens in Cleethorpes. | Photo: NELC
Large numbers of people were gathered and left a mess at Lincoln Arboretum.
Now, with the weather due to turn colder over the weekend, police are encouraging people not to go indoors when meeting others, as that is still against the lockdown roadmap rules.
Chief Superintendent Paul Timmins said: “The move to reduce COVID-19 restrictions will be welcomed by some communities, but it may cause anxiety to others.
“While some areas of COVID-related enforcement the police have undertaken will cease, the message to stay local and respect government guidelines to reduce risk does not change.
“Government advice is for people to stay local and avoid unnecessary travel and I echo that request, but I am also aware that many will wish to meet with loved ones outside.
“We will maintain the approach of the 4Es to the new legislation using engagement, education and encouragement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations.
“My hope is the public will continue to act responsibly and comply.”
The next stage of the lockdown roadmap will come into play on April 12, allowing for non-essential retail, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to reopen.
As well as this, indoor leisure such as gyms and swimming pools will reopen on April 12.
Chief Supt Timmins added: “For those making plans to meet, please make sure you adhere to the rule of six, stay local but also think about the legacy you may leave; respect our wonderful beauty spots and take your rubbish with you.
“I would also ask you to be aware of the dangers that our coastline can pose in terms of swimming and surfing in the sea.
“We all want the pandemic to be over, and the only way for us to do this is to contain the virus, wear a face covering, stay local, and to keep practicing social distancing.
“Everyone has a social responsibility play their part to prevent the virus spreading and to see us make it to step two of the Roadmap on April 12.
“Play your part and behave in a way that respects our communities and that will keep yourself and others safe.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.