Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has reacted angrily to pictures of large numbers of people sunbathing in Sefton Park, saying the scenes are an 'insult' to the memories of those in the city who have died from coronavirus.
Sunny weather yesterday saw the south Liverpool park packed with people, with large numbers of people ignoring guidelines and sunbathing on the grass near the boating lake.
These pictures show many people sitting on the grass, soaking up the sun - just yards away from a Liverpool Council sign asking people to stick to guidelines.
Mayor Anderson was furious at the scenes.
He said: "I think its an insult to those who have lost their lives to this virus and to the brave, hard-working NHS staff who are under immense pressure in our city's hospitals.
"It is a particular insult to the health workers that we have lost who were trying to keep others alive.
"Some of these people in the park will be out clapping the NHS tomorrow night, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they could be making their jobs even harder and putting them at more risk through their actions."
"Why is the car park full? Why are people heading to the park as a destination? Why are there groups of lads with bikes all lying together?"
"We have hundreds dead in this city, thousands ill - and people are still not doing this correctly."
And the Mayor had a warning to those continuing to push back against the social distancing rules in place.
He said: "We really don't want to shut the parks in this city, but we may have to speak to police about what more we can do to try and show people that they just can't do this at the moment."
The city leader said he understood that for some people the situation is more difficult, such as families with no gardens.
He added: "I know it is hard for families, but I would just say if you can keep moving and avoid sunbathing and lying around on the grass - then it won't encourage others to do the same. We just need everyone to be sensible."
"We have put very clear signs up and ultimately if the police come around and fine you for this then I'm afraid you deserve it."
"I think everyone needs to remember why we are doing this, to ease the pressure on our heroic NHS staff - I'm sure they would love to be lying around in a park but they are in hospitals risking their lives."
