Portsmouth sunseekers flout social distancing rules as Hot Walls is packed in warm weather

Concerns have been raised after pictures surfaced showing large groups at the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth.

It comes as the bank holiday weekend approaches, with hot weather forecast for its entirety.

While coronavirus lockdown measures were eased last week, social distancing guidelines are still in place and the government has warned that things could get stricter, if the rate of infection increases again.

Quality engineer Rob Watkins, 47 from old Portsmouth, was shocked to see so many people gathered in one place.

He said: ‘People were down there drinking and having barbecues like nothing was wrong with the world.

‘It makes me so angry – I don’t understand what on earth is going through their heads, if anything at all.

‘Clearly they don’t care about the vulnerable people in their families; it doesn’t take much for this virus to spread.’

Portsmouth City Council is urging residents to ‘think twice’ about their actions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Steve Pitt said: ‘Please think about how what you do affects the people around you and most importantly talk to each other, while following social distancing rules.

‘If you're going out to enjoy the nice weather have a think about what places or times it might be quieter.

‘On the whole Portsmouth residents have been great during lockdown and I hope everyone continues to follow government's guidance, we're just asking for everyone to think twice about the things they do.’

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