'They stick out like a sore thumb'- Derbyshire residents slam visitors to county despite lockdown as police report MORE Covid breaches

Fed up Derbyshire residents have slammed tourists who continute to visit the county despite lockdown after police handed out £1,000 in fines for more Covid breaches.
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Yesterday (Monday, February 8) saw police catch three visitors to Baslow from London who told officers they had travelled despite the national lockdown because they ‘were bored’.

A spokesperson for Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak villages SNT said: “Unfortunately, Albanian driving licenses don’t work here after ten years of residency, so vehicle seized. A long walk and Covid fines incoming.”

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Police on evening patrols in Buxton and Chapel also dealt with another Covid breach that saw £200 fines issued to four people who had travelled to a holiday let.

(Left) Police descend on visitors to Derbyshire who travelled up from London because 'lockdown is boring' (Right) Police on patrol in Chapel where four people were fined for travelling to a holiday let. Pictures from the Buxton SNT and Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak villages SNT Facebook pages.(Left) Police descend on visitors to Derbyshire who travelled up from London because 'lockdown is boring' (Right) Police on patrol in Chapel where four people were fined for travelling to a holiday let. Pictures from the Buxton SNT and Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak villages SNT Facebook pages.
(Left) Police descend on visitors to Derbyshire who travelled up from London because 'lockdown is boring' (Right) Police on patrol in Chapel where four people were fined for travelling to a holiday let. Pictures from the Buxton SNT and Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak villages SNT Facebook pages.

Since the start of the pandemic, Derbyshire Police have so far handed out around 900 fines for Covid-19 breaches.

The force has been accused of a “heavy handed” approach to fines but many residents say they are concerned they are being putting risk by people coming into the county for non-essential reasons.

Commenting on Facebook, Craig Wilson said: “There’s people obviously travelling from outside their own area all the time, and not for essential travel, they stick out like a sore thumb with their rucksacks on.

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"They’re so obvious, they’re always in pairs and they don’t always wear a mask whilst waiting.

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“Exercise starts at your door around your local area where you live.

"It will just take longer to come out of lockdown, but I think there’s a few who have never been in it and think they are above the law, and the rules don’t simply apply to them.”

Mark Taylor said: “We have many walkers and cyclists going past our house on the lane. The area all around Baslow and Bakewell has many visitors from outside the area.

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"Many driving to Chatsworth House have got a parking ticket, many walking around the garden. Not sure why Chatsworth car parks are open considering locals can walk into the area.”

Elaine Wilson said: “I have friends in Bakewell and I haven’t seen them since last summer. I live just 100 yards from the Derbyshire border, but wouldn’t dream of going out there.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.