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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Joe Thomas

Who to speak to if you believe someone is breaking coronavirus lockdown rules

The coronavirus lockdown has sparked a host of queries over how to report concerns that businesses and individuals are putting others at risk by not sticking to the rules.

From crowded warehouses to groups of people gathering in public, social distancing guidelines have sparked a host of questions - and complaints.

Many of those queries - along with bizarre ones such as whether you can go out to buy Easter Eggs - have been rung into the police.

But in most cases, your local force is not the right organisation to report concerns too.

Workplaces

Over the past week, fears have been raised about the risks to workers on construction sites and in warehouses, with images of sites being shared online.

They included pictures from Matalan's distribution warehouse in Kirkby, which led to questions about whether the staff were being placed in danger by the GMB Union and Liverpool city mayor Joe Anderson.

Mayor Anderson went so far as to making his feelings known on Twitter,when he slammed companies who he said were "flouting coronavirus rules" adding that he was "absolutely appalled".

His tweets were directed at both construction firm Laing O'Rourke and Matalan.

Matalan's approach was also questioned by the regional mayor Steve Rotheram.

The firm said the safety and welfare of staff "remains our absolute priority" and that it would welcome a conversation with Mayor Rotheram.

Some construction firms, including Bellway, which has several sites across the region, closed their operations down on Friday.

If anyone has any concerns about working conditions in the current environment, they should direct their complaints to the trading standards department of their local council, as suggested here by Lancashire Police: "Please help us to prioritise and keep people safe by not calling us unless it’s an emergency or you need a specific police response.

"This includes not calling us with questions about whether you can/can’t visit relatives or feed livestock and reporting issues with your employer or their protective measures in place.

"If you have questions about businesses continuing to operate, trading standards and your local authority are the lead agency on this."

Pubs, bars and restaurants

(Liverpool Echo)

The Orient in Speke was hit with a prohibition notice this week following concerns the pub had opened despite restrictions preventing such activity.

The pub, on Eastern Avenue, was served with a notice to cease trading or face the possibility of an unlimited fine.

Liverpool council's Kevin Johnson said: “The government have been really clear that many places, including pubs and bars, should close as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

“It is really important that landlords understand we will take action against them if we find they are opening in breach of the rules. They are there for good reason: to limit as far as possible the number of people getting the virus.

“They face the potential of an unlimited fine if we prosecute, as well as the possibility that we will review their licence.

“Where we receive evidence of premises opening illegally, we will investigate and take action, because they are acting irresponsibly and putting lives at risk.”

While some food businesses, including takeaways, are allowed to remain open, if you have any concerns about companies flouting the rules you should contact your council's licensing department.

Public gatherings

(Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Another topic of concern has been people gathering in public, or popular beauty spots and parks becoming crowded with walkers.

With the current guidance allowing one form of exercise outside the home, some have attempted to make the most of the nice weather and head to some of the region's gorgeous natural attractions this week.

But lots of other people have had the same idea, leading to reports of places like Formby Pine Woods and New Brighton beach becoming crowded.

The best thing to avoid such instances is to stay away from popular destinations - parks are fine, but playgrounds in Liverpool are now closed due to concerns of people closely interacting.

Speaking to the ECHO this week, Merseyside Police's chief constable, Andy Cooke, said his officers would not rule with an "iron fist" as new legislation to help enforce social distancing came into effect.

He said the force would adopt a police of "discretion and encouragement", but added: "We will deal with those people who transgress to an extent they need to be dealt with but for the vast majority of our public, what they will see is the usual, everyday police, there to help, smiling, interacting with our communities and making sure we can all get through this."

But he did say officers would maintain a visible presence during the lockdown.

And questions may be asked if people are found to be breaking the rules.

On Friday the North West Motorway Police set up a series of checkpoints around the region and asked drivers why they are away from their homes.

Officers installed the checkpoints today and within hours they had caught around a dozen drivers making unnecessary trips, during the coronavirus crisis.

The organisation said: "Patrols from the Cheshire Police Roads and Crime Unit out from today at locations across the county setting up check points to enforce the essential travel advice.

"A gentle reminder that non essential travel could result in a fine, so let's heed all the advice given."

The message from police appears to be that they are keeping an eye on whether the rules are being complied with, but hope to encourage compliance.

Should you feel it necessary to contact them - which should be restricted to extreme examples - it appears best to avoid calling the 101 non-emergency number. Merseyside Police's force contact centre operates Twitter (@MerPolCC) and Facebook (Merseyside Police Contact Centre) accounts 24/7, however, so if you really are concerned, a message via either of those websites may be most appropriate.

*The latest Government guidance is available here

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