‘Stay away from our local beauty spots this Easter’

The local authority says: “Easter is traditionally a time when we all look forward to spending time with family and friends, and perhaps even getting away to our favourite beauty spot, but this year we are urging everyone in Mid and East Antrim to stay safe by staying at home.

“Whilst we appreciate the many picturesque locations we have on our own doorsteps, from Brown’s Bay and Whitehead to Slemish, it is now more important than ever that we listen to the government and public health guidelines so that we can stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“Unfortunately, some people are still travelling to our local visitor attractions, despite our best efforts to inform the public through increased signage, social media messaging and in the Press.

“The weather forecast for the Easter bank holiday weekend looks very promising but we are working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to ensure they have additional patrols available to disperse public gatherings and ensure social distancing is being observed at all times.

“Barriers are closed to the Ecos and Showgrounds and associated carparks. People continue to park along the road at Ecos and at 7pm last night  (Thursday), Ecos was very heavily populated and there were social distancing issues. We are liaising with the PSNI to get a solution for Ecos.”

The council has also stated that no-one should be travelling to Carnfunnock Country Park, outside Larne, or any other park this Easter and should not be travelling to Carrickfergus Marina unless they live on a boat.

The local authority has also urged people not to drive to Slemish to go for a walk. 

“We’ve had a number of reports through regarding Larne Promenade, with residents reporting an increase in people, dogs, dog fouling and a lack of social distancing.

“On this basis, we are putting up signage that the carparks will be closed and have requested that PSNI Larne pay extra attention to this area.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “The new health care regulations allow you to leave home in order to exercise.

“The legislation does not however provide that you may travel for the purpose  of exercise and therefore like our colleagues in health, we would advise you not to do this.

“As we go toward Easter weekend, this will be supplemented by additional officers. This will ensure we respond in a way which is consistent to keep us all safe.”

The assistant chief constable has also encouraged members of the public to use the new web process sensibly to report breaches where the rules are being flouted.

From March 28 until April 10, the PSNI received 906 complaints of the restrictions not being observed.

An online form can be used to submit a complaint or report about a person not adhering to required social distancing; a gathering of people in breach of social distancing requirements, a person repeatedly travelling for non-essential purposes or a bar or licensed premises that has remained open.

ACC Todd  added: “I am encouraging people to carefully consider the circumstances before making a report, but I can assure the public that all reports will be considered by our staff co-ordinating the operational policing response to Covid-19.”

During the Easter holiday period, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is also advising dog owners to ensure their pets are kept under control during this “social distancing period”.

Pet owners are being asked to keep dogs on a lead when out in public and to follow general hygiene measures.

A spokesperson said: “Given the increase in people walking their pets at this time, we want to remind all animal owners to act responsibly to prevent dogs being involved in an attack on other animals or people, or causing alarm to others when outside.

“It is also important that owners exercising their pets do whatever they can to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“If your household is self-isolating, take time to plan how you will exercise your pet, ensuring that you and your pet avoid all contact with others.

“We would appeal to everyone to follow the guidance in the first instance, adhere to social distancing and keep their dogs under control at all times.”

The Harbour Community Group in Larne, commented: “With an increased number of dog walkers in the Harbour area, we are unfortunately faced with an increase in dog fouling.

“We have reported this to council but understand it’s a difficult matter to police.

“We respectfully ask the culprits to clean up after their dogs and keep our beautiful community clean and safe.”