Coronavirus: Portsmouth News readers react as large gatherings on Southsea Common and the Hotwalls 'put lives as risk'

NEW pictures showing large groups of people breaking the government’s rules on social distancing have infuriated many of our readers.
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The images, captured by residents shocked at the antics, depict youths and sunseekers ignoring the guidelines by gathering in large numbers at Southsea Common and the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth.

While some of our readers empathised with those pictured on account of the long-lasting and restrictive instructions Britons have been asked to follow, others were disappointed at their interpretation of prime minister Boris Johnson’s recent lockdown-easing measures.

What readers of The News, Portsmouth had to say

People pictured breaking social distancing rules at the Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth, and on Southsea Common.People pictured breaking social distancing rules at the Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth, and on Southsea Common.
People pictured breaking social distancing rules at the Hotwalls, Old Portsmouth, and on Southsea Common.
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:: Lizz Gower: ‘The Hotwalls are packed with large gatherings smoking drinking and not giving a monkey’s about restrictions.’

:: Ian Donk: ‘I personally believe our younger lot of the city have done brilliant and stayed in when asked. They are young, let them have this – you can not live in fear forever.’

:: Lindsey Wilmshurst: ‘Disgusting. If you’re gonna meet your friends then do it at a distance at least!! This is just ridiculous!’

:: Josie Stockton Weightman: ‘Obviously going to happen soon as they relaxed lockdown.’

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:: Filip Chudoba: ‘Take them on part-time to the hospital. Maybe they will act differently next time.’

:: Carrie Nightingale: ‘I live opposite the common and it’s crazy how many teens were in groups yesterday. Police were on the common and allowed them to stay in groups.’

:: Anneliese Rigby: ‘When I went past I witnessed them hugging each other, drinking, smoking and swearing and then getting into taxis by the Queens Hotel. I was really upset to see it. Later a huge crowd of bikes also went past which was intimidating. The amount of rubbish they left was horrendous. They clearly don’t care about their families and friends to be carrying out such selfish acts.’

:: Katie Buns Beerling: ‘I do feel that weak and confusing messages – plus the thought of being back in classrooms altogether in two weeks – hasn’t helped youngsters make good choices. Be thoughtful about where you direct your frustration at the situation. Look for the cause, not the symptom. Yes, I’m blaming the top level of power in this country. But aware everyone should be acting more responsibly. Sad that police did not intervene.’

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:: Deb Bryant: ‘Too many not social distancing everywhere. Staying in my back garden. Can’t understand why people are playing with their life and other people’s lives.’

:: Angie Hussein: ‘They’re obviously invincible. It must be us who are the Covidiots.’

:: Tony Worrall: ‘It's not a very large area of beach so maybe there should be someone from the council regulating the numbers going on it. I was over Eastney yesterday and was shocked at the numbers of people. Was like a hot day in August.’

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