Angry Durham residents have called on Boris Johnson to sack his senior adviser who travelled to the county from London during lockdown.
Downing Street said Dominic Cummings made the 260-mile trip in April to be close to relatives in the region who could assist with childcare after he and his wife fell ill.
Both he and and the government has insisted he acted "reasonably and legally" by staying at his family property in Durham during his 14-day self-isolation period.
Boris Johnson has given his "full support" to Cummings as Conservative MPs joined the calls for him to resign on Sunday.
And now Durham residents are urging the Prime Minister to dismiss his chief aide, describing the situation as a "farce".
Juliet Percival said: "We've all got elderly relatives we're not allowed to visit, parents with 80th birthdays, golden wedding anniversaries.
"I haven't seen my parents since the beginning of March as my dad is vulnerable. It is a joke. Boris should sack him."
Ian Walker added: "It's absolutely shocking. You're telling people to do one thing then you're blatantly going and doing another. You've got to practice what you preach.
"There are people who have been sacked for doing similar things in other parts of the nation. He can't keep his job and then people carry on to take him seriously.
"Boris should get rid of him."
The Sunday Mirror reported last night that the Prime Minister's top aide was spotted a second time by eyewitnesses in the area.
It is claimed that he was first spotted walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle on April 12 by retired teacher Robin Lees.
Reports also say that an unnamed source saw Mr Cummings walking with his wife in Houghall Woods on April 19.
Mr Cummings has denied making a second trip to the area, with a No10 spokesman describing the reports as "inaccurate".
But residents in County Durham have labelled the situation a "joke" and feel it is time for Mr Cummings to be sacked.
Durham resident Pamela Wood said: "I think it is unacceptable. The rules are made and we're all being very stringent in keeping to them and he feels he can flaunt them. I think it sends out a bad message and he should resign."
Sarah Hunnings added: "I'm shocked and upset. When everybody's trying to do what we're told to do but there is still this slight uncertainty as to what the rules actually mean and that makes it difficult for people.
"You're told you can go wherever you like but you're also told to stay at home.
"Our daughter missed her 18th birthday [celebrations] and didn't get to see anybody so it is tough and then he makes that trip with coronavirus with his family which just seems very strange."
Student Tim Callow said: "I'd always say it's important to look after your children but this situation doesn't look great.
"I think he has to resign or be dismissed. I don't see how his position is still tenable. I think it's a joke."
