18 people given Covid fines for flouting strict coronavirus rules at a popular country park near Harborough at the weekend

Some drove from miles away while others met different households for picnics
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Some 18 people have been fined £200 each for flouting strict coronavirus rules at a popular country park near Market Harborough at the weekend.

People from across the area are now being warned not to go to East Carlton Countryside Park – which is closed - after the raft of fines was dished out.

Among those handed £200 fixed penalty notices by police was a group who had driven 60 miles from Hertfordshire to meet relatives as the East Midlands was bathed in bright spring sunshine on both Saturday and Sunday.

People from across the area are now being warned not to go to East Carlton Countryside Park – which is closed - after the raft of fines was dished out.People from across the area are now being warned not to go to East Carlton Countryside Park – which is closed - after the raft of fines was dished out.
People from across the area are now being warned not to go to East Carlton Countryside Park – which is closed - after the raft of fines was dished out.

Officers also targeted friends from different households who met up to enjoy picnics and walk around the sprawling rural park on the edge of the Welland Valley.

Northamptonshire Police have got tougher with offenders during the current Covid national lockdown as nearby Corby is battling the highest coronavirus infection rate in England.

A police spokeswoman said: “Some of the tickets were issued for people travelling from Hertfordshire to East Carlton Park to meet family.

“Five people were also issued tickets for having a picnic with people from different households.

“And others were also issued tickets simply for gathering in groups all from different households.”

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